Domestic sustainability is something everyone can get behind, and there are often ways to make a home more efficient that are being overlooked. Save money, and time and make your house more eco-friendly by following the tips below to make your space run more efficiently.
Upgrade to a Smart Home
With the rise of smart home products like these here, houses are able to step into the future. Wi-FI and Bluetooth run technology can now control appliances, lights, door or window security, thermostats, and further energy usage within the home setting. Typically controlled through a smartphone app, smart homes allow for firmer control over the domestic environment which leads to fewer maintenance tasks, a significant saving on energy bills, and an increase in sustainability.
Swap Your Windows
Unless it is a new build property, the windows are unlikely to be double-glazed. While this process can be costly, it is worth doing for a general improvement in the quality and efficiency of your house. Double, and even triple, glazing creates a more airtight space, reduces draughts, and makes the room easier to control temperature wise. They also lessen the chance of condensation causing damage to wall structures and room features through dampness and mold.
Install Insulation
Insulation can go into the roof, the floor, and even the walls in some structures. The purpose? To control the temperature more efficiently, reduce the need for heating to be switched on in the colder season and create a more airtight environment within the walls of the property. You can make it a DIY project, or get some quotes from professional companies depending on your budget.
Pay Attention to Appliances
Big appliances like your fridge and cooker are energy draining assets that every home needs. Given their high usage, it is a natural consequence that they need high maintenance too. Regularly defrosting the fridge/freezer stops ice from building up and therefore, running as it should instead of being hindered. Descale kettles and deep clean dishwashers so the water is fresh and effective in its function. Remember to turn washing machines off when they are sitting dormant, alongside all major appliances (apart from the fridge and freezer) as they may not be switched on, but they are still plugged in and using precious energy. All of these tricks will add up to a more efficient space overall.
Switch to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs use less energy than traditional light bulbs more commonly found in homes, therefore they can save you money in the long-term. They also tend to last a lot longer than halogen bulbs and, therefore are more durable and sustainable. LED technology is less of a fire risk or a fuse shortage as they are better able to withstand higher temperatures, so they are safer as well.
Efficiency can be a shared goal. The growing focus on eco-practices is a movement to get behind, and starting in the domestic setting allows for small changes to be more impactful on a global scale.