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Eco-friendly homes and practices are one of the best things that you can do with your house because not only will they benefit the planet, but they will aid you in getting value for your home. Many governments are going to encourage sustainable building practices.
New buildings will have all of the new sustainable measures, but this does not mean that you cannot retrofit your current dwelling. There are lots of different things that you can do to make your home eco-friendlier. If you need a little advice on where to start, then here is a little advice.
Changing your sink
This may sound like an odd thing to do but changing what sink you have in your kitchen and your bathroom. Having an undercounter water filter will help you drink cleaner water. It will also not waste as much energy, in the long run, converting the water into something clean. Having a sustainable sink will help you save money on your water bills and add value to your home.
There are lots of different styles that these sinks come in and so you can pick one that suits your aesthetic and makes your home stylish and modern.
Upgrading insulation
One of the best things that you can do to make your home more eco-friendly is to ensure that your insulation is working. It is pointless changing your home into a renewable haven if all of the heat you have just generated is flowing out of your home.
Before you even think about changing your energy suppliers you need to think about how to insulate your home. One of the best ways to do it is to look at insulating your loft or the cavity walls. You can do it yourself by using expanding foam. It is relatively simple to do but can save you huge amounts of money annually.
Double or triple glazing
One of the biggest ways that a home loses energy is through the window. Up to 10% is lost. Make sure that you put a stop to this to make your home eco-friendlier. If you find that you have single-glazed windows, then you need to get these changed as soon as you possibly can.
Triple-glazed windows are better than double, but it all depends on what you can afford. You can even think about things such as a window that has a low gas conductivity.
Solar panels
Introducing a solar panel system to your home can help you generate hot water and electricity without using inefficient materials. Solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity. The best thing is that it does not require direct sunlight to work. You will still get energy on a cloudy day.
Make sure that you attach them to a roof or wall that faces no more than 90 degrees from the south. They are expensive initially, but you will make money in the long run. Make sure that it works for you, and even call for a commercial solar installation before you commit to them.
Renewable heating systems
You need to think about a natural approach to heating your home. There are more options other than solar panels. You should think about options like heat pumps (they work in the opposite way to a refrigerator, keeping specific areas warm).
Or you could investigate implementing wood-fuelled systems such as biomass boilers that burn pellets and logs to power your central heating. Again, these systems cost a lot initially to get installed but you will save money in the long run and be better for the planet.
Reuse building materials
A great way that you can reduce the impact of your home on the environment is to reuse and reclaim building materials. The best place that you can claim these materials is from other sites of demolition and remodeling.
Buildings are usually dismantled carefully so the material can be reused. Also, have a look at the material that you can salvage from local yards. They will sell anything from old bricks to high-end materials if you can find them. Always ensure that the materials you buy are fit for purpose and that you can work with them.
Eco-friendly home
Making your home eco-friendly is not only good for your home but also for the planet. It can save you a lot of money in the future but will cost you initially. There are lots of different things you can do but only some will work for your specific home. Don’t commit to anything unless it is right. This will hopefully save you money and leave you less stressed.
