Nowadays, people have become more environmentally conscious and have started looking for alternate options for saving resources. One of the most important and expensive resources is energy. Most of our day-to-day needs require the use of energy. A major percentage of energy is used in our homes. If we use simple innovations and techniques to make our homes’ energy efficient, the use of energy will radically decrease. Here, we have a list of 6 simple ways in which you can make your homes more green!
Design a House to be Energy Efficient
Though not an innovation by itself, the basic design of a house can do a lot to conserve energy. There are a number of factors you need to keep in mind while designing a house that is energy efficient.
Use of Building Materials
The use of the right building materials helps in keeping energy usage to a minimum. The use of sustainable building materials like reclaimed wood makes the house more eco-friendly. Some other building materials that keep the energy usage low are:
- Bamboo
- Recycled steel
- Concrete
- Non-fiberglass foam spray insulation
- Eco-friendly paint
Proper Insulation
All the doors, windows, attic, and walls of the house must be properly insulated and sealed. If your house is properly insulated, it maintains its warmth in winter and remains cool in summer. Your heating and cooling systems do not need to work overtime to maintain the temperatures. Installation of two to three paned windows adds an extra layer of insulation.
Use of Energy Efficient Equipment
Nowadays, many companies have come up with home appliances that save energy. Do thorough research on the appliances you need and choose the ones that save maximum energy.
Repair your HVAC Appliances Regularly
Ensuring timely repairs to your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) appliances is crucial for enhancing the energy efficiency of your home. By addressing issues promptly, you prevent energy waste caused by inefficient operation or malfunctioning components. For instance, opting for AC Repair (when needed) can not only optimize the performance of your cooling appliance but also help extend its lifespan, reducing the need for costly replacements. Additionally, maintaining peak efficiency lowers energy consumption, resulting in decreased utility bills and reduced environmental impact. Put simply, regular maintenance and prompt repairs demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ensure a comfortable, eco-friendly living environment for years to come.
More Connected and Smarter Homes
The world has become a global village, connecting our homes to the rest of the world. The new appliances and electronic devices that have flooded the market can be connected to the internet. They provide real-time data, are easy to understand, and are energy-efficient as well. A lot of projects around the world are busy developing smarter and more energy-efficient technology-based appliances for homes. These include automatic cooling and heating systems, lighting, and other units that have access to data like room temperature, outside air, humidity, and light level.
Use Solar Power
The right placement of windows helps you take advantage of the sun’s natural heat. South-facing windows keep your home warm in winter. Covering these windows with heavy curtains keeps the rooms cool in summer. Though expensive, installation of solar panels on the roof is a one-time investment that will save energy throughout your life. If you happen to live anywhere in or near California, the companies that provide a reliable solar installer in California can be very useful in reducing the energy usage in your house. You may even get paid by some electric companies for the extra energy produced by your solar panels.
Magnetic Refrigerators
One of the new revolutionary energy-saving innovations is a magnetic refrigerator. The use of magnets produces the cold effect, also called the magnetocaloric effect, which maintains the temperature in the refrigerator. The temperature is lowered and raised by changing the magnetic field. The coolants used by the old generation refrigerators are harmful to the environment. Therefore, magnetic refrigerators use a water-based coolant, which does not harm the environment.
Reflective Roofing Material
Roofs can be painted with materials that contain special pigments which reflect sunlight. Roofs painted thus absorb less heat. There are a variety of new and innovative pigments that are being developed to keep the roof cool. This thermal reflective paint has a solar reflective coating property, which prevents excessive heat from entering the roof. This method of reducing energy usage is also very eco-friendly.
Ultra-Efficient Heat Pumps
Another new innovation is the heat pump system of the next generation. They warm and heat your home by shifting and moving heat from one place to another. There are a variety of heat pumps that can be used.
- A multi-function fuel-fired residential pump reduces energy usage by 30%.
- An air conditioner and natural gas heat pump that uses a combustion burner that has a very low emission rate can provide hot water, home cooling, and heating.
- A low-priced gas heat pump that reduces heating costs by 30 – 45% as compared to conventional boilers and gas furnaces.
Energy efficiency has many benefits apart from saving on the electricity bills. It is eco-friendly, boosts the economy, and improves your quality of life. An energy-efficient home also has a greater resale value. Making your house more energy efficient is the first step you can take towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
