An eco-friendly home is desirable whether you’re living there or using it as an investment property. With climate change affecting the world, a sustainable home can reduce your carbon footprint and help you protect the planet for future generations.
Even if you’re not concerned about climate change, a sustainable home can minimize your energy bills and lower your cost of living. Here are a few ways you can make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient:
- Energy-Efficient Windows
Buying energy-efficient windows to replace your current old-fashioned ones is a great way to make your home more sustainable and minimize your energy bills. Such windows are designed to stop heated or cooled air from leaving your home. In other words, your home’s air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature in the summer or winter. Not only will this reduce your electricity usage and monthly costs, but it will lower your carbon footprint. Remember that air conditioning is one of the leading causes of global warming.
Please find the right windows company, especially if you’re living in a big city. For example, you can rely on Casa Bella Windows & Doors if you’re looking for window installation in Toronto because they pride themselves on excellent customer service and are backed by 60 years of experience. Hiring the wrong team will lead to a waste of time, energy, and money.
Correctly installed high-quality windows will also brighten up your home better and allow you to rely less on artificial lighting.
- Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Although energy-efficient lighting can be pricier upfront, they will save you money over time. Not only do such bulbs produce more light while consuming less electricity, but they’re known for their longevity. Try some of the following bulbs for the best results:
- Light-emitting diode bulbs
- Compact fluorescent lights
- Halogen incandescent bulbs
- Smart Technology
The right smart technology tools can significantly reduce your energy bills and make your home eco-friendlier. For example, smart lightbulbs can help reduce electricity waste. Likewise, a smart thermostat can stop you from wasting money on cooling or heating your home unnecessarily. Additionally, a smart thermostat will reduce the strain on your HVAC and save money on maintenance.
- Smart Appliances
When buying a new appliance, look for products that are more energy-efficient that can perform the same tasks while consuming fewer resources. For example, a more sustainable washer and dryer set will use less water and electricity to clean and dry your clothes.
Speaking of water, use the resource more carefully. Do larger loads of laundry, don’t flush unnecessarily, and fix your leaky faucets to save water.
- Be Smart
Disconnect your devices after they’re fully charged to prevent energy waste. Check your fridge and ensure that it’s set between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C). Your freezer should be set to 0°F (-18°C). Meanwhile, your thermostat should be between 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The way you manage your appliances can also have a big impact on your environmental footprint.
Whether you’re replacing your windows or your appliances, invest in energy-efficient products to save money and stay sustainable.
