Making your home more durable and sustainable is a smart choice that helps save money and benefits the planet. From energy-efficient lighting to upgrading your home insulation, here are some tips to make your home more sustainable.
Avoid Light Pollution with Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching from old-style incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are a more nature-friendly approach that provides the best lighting. Not only are incandescent bulbs high-wattage and costly, but they also emit mainly heat (90%) instead of light (10%). By using LED lights, you can reduce your electricity bill by up to 13 kWh per month. To further improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider installing smart bulbs with dimmer switches and sensors that can be controlled by your smartphone.
Install an A-rated Boiler for Energy Efficiency
If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to replace it with a new A-rated appliance that vastly reduces energy consumption, utility bills, and carbon footprint. There are various grants, eco-schemes, and rental schemes available that offer replacement options, including free or heavily subsidised options if you meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, a handyman servicing your appliance every year can help prevent damage and costly repairs, keeping your energy-efficient levels at an excellent rating.
Cut Vampire Waste
Reducing vampire waste is critical in reducing energy waste and lowering electricity bills. Many gadgets and appliances continue to draw power, even when not in use, leading to phantom loads and wasted energy.
Unplug Devices When Not in Use
One of the easiest ways to reduce vampire waste is to unplug devices when not in use. This simple action can help save energy and reduce your electricity bill. To make it easier, consider using power strips that can be turned off when not in use.
Use Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips can help reduce energy waste by automatically turning off devices when they are not in use. Some power strips can be controlled by an app on your smartphone, while others use occupancy sensors to detect when a room is empty and turn off connected devices. This can help reduce phantom load and save energy, even when you’re busy.
Here’s what to look for in a smart power strip:
- Energy monitoring – Look for power strips that include energy monitoring features to help you track your energy usage.
- Automatic shut-off – Some power strips will automatically shut off when devices are not in use, reducing standby power consumption.
- App control – Consider a power strip that can be controlled via an app on your smartphone for added convenience.
Install Programmable Outlets
Another way to reduce vampire waste is to install programmable outlets that measure energy consumption. These outlets can be set to turn off devices after a certain amount of time or when energy consumption falls below a certain level. This can help to reduce energy waste and save money on your electricity bill.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Using natural cleaning products can have a significant impact on the environment and your health. Here are three excellent ideas for natural cleaning products:
- Vinegar – A great all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean various surfaces.
- Baking soda – Effective for cleaning and deodorising surfaces, as well as removing stains.
- Lemon juice – A natural bleaching agent that can be used to remove stains and disinfect surfaces.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to improve temperature control and save energy in your house. Programmable thermostats can be set to change the temperature automatically based on your schedule and preferences, reducing energy waste and utility bills.
Go for Small Repairs to Give Your Furniture a Second Chance
When furniture starts to look worn out, scratched, or has loose joints, it can be tempting to throw it away and start over with new pieces. However, another option is repairing, refinishing or repainting the furniture to give it a new lease on life.
Not only can this approach save you money compared to buying new furniture, but it also has environmental benefits. By repairing your furniture instead of throwing it away, you can help to reduce global carbon emissions and avoid contributing to the growing problem of waste disposal.
Small repair efforts can refresh your space without needing an extensive renovation project. For example, you can repair a broken leg on a chair, fix scratches on a table, or repaint a dresser to give it a new look. If you’re not handy with DIY projects, consider hiring a professional to make the repairs for you.
By choosing to repair your furniture instead of throwing it away, you can reduce your environmental impact and save money in the process. So before you start shopping for new furniture, consider whether your current pieces can be given a second chance with a little bit of love and care.
Start Composting
Composting is a great green practice with numerous advantages that go beyond decreasing food waste. Reusing your food scraps helps lower your carbon impact, contributing to a healthier environment. It also promotes soil health by assisting beneficial microbes in developing and decreasing the need for chemical fertilisers. This results in healthier plants and a more sustainable ecosystem.
Furthermore, organic waste takes up precious landfill space, destroys nearby agricultural soil, and emits methane – a potent greenhouse gas. You can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources by keeping organic waste out of landfills. Whether you start a compost bin in your backyard or use a composting service, every bit counts in the battle against pollution.
Upgrade Your Home Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective methods when trying to improve heating efficiency and comfort. Effective air sealing techniques can reduce cold spots and drafts, lower heating expenses, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%. Choose formaldehyde-free insulation made from recycled materials to help you make your home more sustainable and healthy.
Takeaways for home sustainability
- Use energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Reduce vampire waste
- Use natural cleaning products
- Start composting
- Upgrade home insulation
