Sustainability has been an ongoing focus in today’s ever-changing world. Businesses, schools, workplaces, and community centers have all been adapting green changes to reduce their negative impacts on the environment. The sustainable movement has even become the focus of home design trends. With developers and builders using sustainable building products, reducing their carbon footprints, and designing homes that are “Green”. This month’s blog focuses on ways that you can make the inside of your home eco-friendlier. Whether it be in upgrading appliances, full renovations or just being more mindful with which products you use to clean your home; this blog offers some great ways to “Go Green” and save some money too!
Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips
If you are thinking about renovating your home this year, you might want to consider doing so in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. Not only will this lower your energy bills, but it will also increase the future resale value of your home.
Upgrade Your Old Appliances with Energy Star appliances
Appliances use a lot of energy; ensure you are using the most efficient appliances on the market by looking for the Energy Star logo. This label indicates that the appliance uses 5 to 10 % less energy than its standard counterpart.
Tankless Hot Water
Replace your old traditional tank water heater with the tankless version. Tankless units are an energy-efficient and cost-saving method for heating water.
Installing Low-Flow Toilets, Showerheads & Faucets
Installing low-flow toilets is an excellent way to decrease your water usage. Standard toilets use about 11 litres per flush. Using a low-flow toilet decreases the amount used per flush to as little as 4 litres. Not only will this impact water preservation in a positive way, but it will also decrease your water bill.
A low-flow showerhead doesn’t necessarily mean low water pressure. Make sure you check the specifications and reviews and buy one that has a powerful spray despite the restricted water use.
Check for the WaterSense label when changing out the faucets in your home. They are 20% more efficient than standard facets.
Install a Smart Thermostat & Energy Efficient AC
50% of your home’s energy consumption comes from heating and cooling systems. A small change can make a big difference (a 1-degree adjustment can save you 5% on your energy bill). Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over the system and set a different temperature for when you are home and away.
Energy Efficient Windows
Keep your home warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months by replacing old drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones. Also, did you know that adding curtains and blinds not only makes your windows look less bare, but they also keep out the heat and cool air from the outside.
Solar panels
Solar panel technology has improved, and the cost to purchase and install has decreased in the last few years. It is one way to help the environment and save some money on the electricity bill.
Use Green Building Supplies
If you are doing a complete house renovation, consider using more eco-friendly flooring, such as reclaimed or renewable wood flooring; cork and bamboo are just a few options.
Installing high-quality insulation or spray foam insulation will help keep your home warm in the Winter and reduce your heating costs. Spray foam is a great eco option as it gets into all the nooks and crannies preventing drafts from getting in and it is made from recycled plastics and soya beans.
You can give your home a brand-new look without demolishing everything. Refacing and repurposing materials and items while renovating your home will not only save you money but also saves the environment. Reducing the number of resources used in your renovation and keeping items out of the landfill. See if you can salvage and re-use things such as flooring, cabinets, doors, molding, and light fixtures.
Use low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints. Low VOC or VOC-free paints are safer for the environment, the home, and its occupants.
Making Your Day to Day Home Life More Green
- Switch out your regular light bulbs for LED light bulbs
- Use green or natural cleaning products
- Fewer paper towels and more rags (cut up old shirts)
- Clean the fridge coils and the dryer filter
- Run your dishwasher in the middle of the night (off-peak hours)
- Shop vintage– by the way, this is trending right now
By incorporating just a few of these items into your next renovation or into your day-to-day home routine you will reduce your environmental footprint, be a positive impact on environmental health and save money. Stay tuned for next month’s blog, Making Your Home Eco-Friendly Pt.2 Sustainable Outdoor Spaces.
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