It is good to hear that many people around the world are slowly becoming more conscious of the environment. Being friendly to the ecosystem helps you contribute to creating a sustainable environment, and it also allows you to save money.
Here are the top ways to improve your home mechanically and electrically to make it more eco-friendly.
Treat water seriously
When we hear the word “sustainability,” we first think about energy consumption. But to have an eco-friendly home, you should consider more than just the energy. You need to think seriously about your water consumption and how you can save water.
The first step is to find any leaks in your home and fix them. There are a lot of changes in lifestyle that you can incorporate other than just fixing leaks to save water. One simple example is not letting the water run continuously while you brush your teeth or while you shave.
Another good idea is by installing a low-flow-shower-head. This is proven to save up to 160 thousand liters of water in a family with four members.
Install a smart meter
One of the top ways you consume more energy is by heating. And most of the time, especially during winter, it is easier to just leave the heater on for a long time, even if you are not going to use it already. This causes too much waste of energy and also your money.
The best way to avoid this is by installing a smart meter. The best thing about smart meters is that you can program them to turn on automatically during certain times of the day. For example, you can set it to switch on before you arrive home or set it to “off” before you get out of the house. Smart meters are a convenient tool for anyone finding ways to decrease their energy bills and reduce carbon footprints.
Switch to natural cleaning products
One of the things that negatively affect the environment is the excessive use of harmful chemicals. Every time you wash away these chemicals, you simply put them into the water supply. This means that the water will need more purification before it becomes safe again and usable.
The good news is that you have plenty of cleaning options that are safe for the environment. For the major day-to-day tasks of cleaning your home, you can use natural products such as bicarbonate of soda, citric acids of citrus fruits, and vinegar to clean your home rather than using harmful chemicals.
If you hire cleaning professionals, ask them about the products they will use to clean your house. You can always offer to provide the cleaning tools if they do not use eco-friendly products.
Another great way to become eco-friendly is by using recycled products, such as kitchen rolls or the carton that holds a roll of tissue together. Every time you see an opportunity to buy and use recycled products, grab it. With a bit of creativity, you can use old materials to create something new, like home decorations, toys for your children, materials for your gardening, and many more. Protecting the environment is like protecting yourself and your family.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs
One of the best ways to turn your home into an eco-friendly home is by investing in the right light bulbs. If you are looking for a great alternative to incandescent light bulbs, the most efficient ones are CFLs.
It’s been a long time since these energy-efficient light bulbs came out. But it took a tremendous amount of time before many people realized its importance and benefits, encouraging them to switch from the old ones to these efficient ones. These light bulbs do not only last longer, but they also use less electricity. This means that you will spend less money on replacing them frequently.
Install solar panels
One of the essential features of an eco-friendly home is a solar panel. Solar panels can provide you with completely clean electricity. They can also provide you with enough amount of energy to sell back to the grid.
Solar panels are definitely an investment in the long run. And it is proven that it will take you almost 20 years or more before you break even. It still depends on the place you live in. Keep in mind that this isn’t just a monetary investment. Owning solar panels is a great opportunity to have an eco-friendly home.
Ask advice from sustainability consultants
Houses have several differences, and usually, a homeowner can find a good way to improve their property’s green credentials.
One of the top ways to do this is by talking to sustainability consultants. They will be able to give you ideas and analysis on how you can make great and best changes for your home.
These are just some tips to help you get started in building an eco-friendly home. Make sure to dig deeper and find out more about how you can help the environment by going green and promoting sustainability.