When we hear Eco-home. We think about tree houses surrounded by plants. But anyone can have an eco-home! No matter where you live. We have some easy and simple tips that will not only save you $ but will help reduce your carbon footprint.
1.Invest in Quality Doors and Windows
The problem with poorly sealed doors and windows is they let air flow in and out of the home. This means that your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to keep the house at your desirable temperature, which costs you money and uses excess energy. With good quality windows, you could save $126-$465 a year on heating and cooling just by replacing single pane windows.
2.Rethink Your Lighting
The types of light fixtures you choose to have in your home can have a huge effect on how much energy you use. So, opt for L.E.D bulbs. These bulbs are up to 80% more efficient than the traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. 95% of the energy produced in LEDs will be converted into light and only 5% is wasted as heat. But efficient light fixtures aren’t all you have to think about. Consider how you can use natural light to your advantage, so you don’t have to use extra bulbs in the first place. For instance, you might consider using a skylight design with your home to cut down on the number of light fixtures you need.
3.Vintage or Pre-owned items
When decorating you home, or buying items like crockery and coffee tables, consider checking out the op-shop, charity shops and vintage stores. Recycling is one of the most sustainable ways to live, whether it’s reusing bags, throwing your paper, plastic and metal into a recycling bin or wearing recycled goods. Just because an item isn’t technically “new” doesn’t mean that it can’t be new to you. Buying clothes second hand helps keep textile waste out of landfills and reduces the demand for new clothing production.
4.Install Solar Panels
Every year the cost of installing solar panels decreases, due to the technological developments in the industry and the fact that solar energy is becoming more mainstream.
But before you go out and purchase a system, have a professional come and analyse your home. Some homes are not suitable for solar panels and will ultimately be a loss of money. But a good factor to remember is that the pay back of solar panels is not quick and easy. It takes on average around 15 years for a home in Wellington to pay back for their system. But they are still worth it. Free energy forever yes please!
5.Perform an Energy Audit
You can get in contact with someone who will perform an energy audit on your home. You are able to see where you use the most power and energy and you can make changes in your habits to save $ and decrease your footprint. Energy auditors review your home to see where you may be losing energy and will provide recommendations on where to make the most change. Energy auditors can help homeowners can save anywhere from 5 to 30 percent on their energy bill.
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Written by Sophia Ivory
Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.
Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory
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