Sustainable upgrades

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have had to spend more time at home than ever before which also means that home appliances are being used more than ever before as well. As a result of this many if not all households have experienced a higher electricity bill, which may have made you wonder, what can I do to lower these bills? The easiest and best solution for this issue is to incorporate energy-efficient/sustainable upgrades within your home. Home sustainability will not only lower the running cost of your home, you will be making a significant contribution towards improving the environment that we live in. Here is a list of upgrades you can make to make your home a sustainable one.

Invest in Double Glazing

Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s heat can be lost, and up to 85% of its heat can be gained through windows and doors? To maintain temperatures within the house, double glazed windows are the solution, particularly if your home has larger window panes. Also, it is highly beneficial to make sure that your doors and windows are airtight when closed.

Skylights

Installing skylights is a great way to minimise the usage of artificial lighting during the day in your home. Skylights work best when they are installed into internal spaces with minimal natural light. Placement of these is also key because you do not want to allow excessive heat into your home during hot summer months.

Install energy-efficient lighting

LED lighting is the most energy-efficient lighting choice on the market. Not only do they minimize energy use for lighting, but they also provide exceptional light output, are extremely long-lasting and contain no mercury. Additionally, they can meet a variety of lighting needs from bright white light to soft, warm light. Selecting the right LED lights, positioning lights strategically, and utilizing natural light as effectively as possible can drastically reduce the energy consumption of a home.

Install energy-efficient home appliances

In most homes, 40% of energy use is accounted for by heating, cooling and hot water, while appliances and plug loads may account for up to 60%. Therefore, selecting energy-efficient appliances is essential. Look at the energy star rating when selecting your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. Energy-efficient appliances reduce a home’s energy use, emit less air pollution and can even increase the resale value of a home.

No-VOC paints

The average point job is estimated to last approximately 7-10 years, which means that at some point down the line, painting will have made it onto your to-do list. Painting the outside of your home is a big job and, in most cases, requires professional help but painting the interior walls of your home is a task that almost anyone can tackle alone. To ensure that you are living in a sustainable home, it is recommended that you use paints that do not contain toxic chemicals. No-VOC paints and finishes are very common and cost comparable to conventional paints. No-VOC paints provide the benefit of better coverage relative to conventional paints and also improve the indoor air quality of the house.

Go Solar

Solar panels provide one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy for a home. They can power all the energy needs of a home including lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances and hot water. Although the initial cost of a solar system is relatively high, they will save you a great deal of money in the future, making them a wise long-term investment.
The ultimate goal of an energy-efficient home is to significantly lower energy usage daily. An energy-efficient home saves money and energy creates a high degree of comfort for the residents and increases the resale value of the house.

Planning an extension or renovation? Look no further than Duncan Thompson Extensions. Our expert team which is well regarded within the industry is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the must-have design elements for a sustainable home. Contact us today.