How to Have a More Sustainable Home
Largely thanks to social media and world initiatives, we are becoming more aware of the importance of living sustainably. While most of us are doing the basics without a second thought - such as recycling rubbish, going paperless and donating unused items - there are more actions we can take that will go a long way in helping us all become much greener in our lives.
The good news is, a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t need to involve huge financial investments. In fact, you’d be pleasantly surprised to know that you may even save on your utility bills when you practice sustainability at home. Good for the environment; good for you. At Hotondo Homes, we’re encouraging a more sustainable way of life with the following tips.
Install double-glazed windows
Did you know that the glass in your windows account for up to 40% heat loss during the colder months and heat gain during the warmer months? By installing double-glazed windows, you can save money in the long run, reduce energy bills, reduce external noise, and keep your home insulated.
Insulate your walls
In a similar vein to double-glazed windows, by insulating your walls you are helping hold the heat in your home during winter and reducing the heat coming through the walls in summer. You’ll be warm in winter; cool in summer. Best of all, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars per year on heating and cooling bills.
Invest in energy efficient light bulbs
A quick task that can be easily done is to replace your current light bulbs with more energy-efficient alternatives. If you have halogen lights around your home, consider replacing them with LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs. LEDs carry a few benefits: for one, they use less energy than traditional light bulbs. Secondly, they last up to 25 times longer than halogen lights. While they can be more expensive, the benefits far outweigh any costs incurred when you install them.
Install solar panels on your roof
While solar panels might be a long-term investment and an initial expense of money, you may potentially save more money than you spend when it comes to your electricity and water systems. In fact, some people have gone completely off the grid due to the sun powering their entire home. You may also be eligible to receive financial benefits from the government in the form of rebates to assist you with the installation, as well as feed-in tariffs from your power company once your system exports electricity back into the grid.
Select appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings
Your refrigerator runs 24/7, but what about your dishwasher, clothes dryer, ceiling fans and microwave? When they’re in operation, they use a lot more energy than you think. That’s why it’s important to choose appliances with high-energy efficiency ratings so when they do run, they won’t cost you the earth.
Build sustainably with Hotondo Homes
Are you ready to build a sustainable home - literally? Work with Hotondo Homes. With our many years of experience in the industry and a name that’s synonymous with trust and excellence, our licenced and local builders are ready to get started on helping you build a home that’s eco-friendly and sustainable. To discuss your specific needs, head to our website to find your local builder today.
