Believe it or not, global warming has taken a toll on the entire planet. Several scientific studies have shown increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. If you are wondering who are the culprits? Well, it the human species.
The excessive burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, tree cutting and such similar activities have known to create the entire dramatic effect. Considering that, a lot of awareness is being raised and people have started to do their bit of efforts to save the environment.
One such endeavor is resorting to energy-efficient solutions for newly constructed homes. Whether you do it for environmental protection, financial advantages or safety interest; focussing on energy-efficiency is going to boost the eco-friendliness of your future home and cut down your energy bills in the long run.
A great part of switching to energy-efficient solutions is that anyone can and is capable of contributing towards it without having to burn a hole in their pocket or undergoing any kind of hassle. Keep reading on to know some amazing ways to make your home smart and environmentally friendly in the upcoming year:
Insulation is Crucial
Home insulation is all about creating interior spaces that are comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. It is one of the ways to ensure that your house remains cool in summer and warm in winter.
Using ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms), thicker wall constructions, blown-in foam, and similar materials are well-recognized and viable solutions to design an energy-efficient home.
Switch to LED Lighting
The bulbs and other forms of lighting you use play a major role in deciding the level of energy-efficiency of your home. A few years back, it was only incandescent and florescent lighting that was doing all the rounds in the market. However, with the advent of LED technology, the future seems to take a different turn.
LED’s will go a long way and fit most of the light fittings you plan to have in your home and save you hundreds of dollars you will spend on electricity bills.
Maintain Air Tightness
An energy-efficient home is all about little details. The joints, sills, ducts, doors, and vents have to be given proper sealing as these are the major reasons behind air leakage in your homes. Thus, make sure you use caulking, weather stripping, and door sweeps in your home to maintain the right temperature inside.
Also, don’t forget to build an effective ventilation system. Just follow – build tight, ventilate right and you will be successful in reducing heating and cooling costs for the final building.
Use Energy Star Windows and Doors
You need to know that low-quality windows and doors are the major contributors to energy loss. They alone account for 20-25% heat loss in your home, both during summer and winter months and end you up with the burden of high utility bills.
Hence, it is recommended to buy only ENERGY STAR® certified windows for commendable performance and keep your dream house comfortable throughout the year.