Whether building a new home or updating the one you have, these eco friendly home improvements are smart and sustainable.
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Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Exterior Windows
While most new homes will already have energy-efficient windows included in the build-price, it’s always important to double check. While upgrading to the most efficient windows possible doesn’t feel like the most exciting upgrade, you’ll be thankful for years to come with low energy bills and a home that stays warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Same goes for if you’re interested in upgrading existing windows in your current home. Studies show that 30% of a home’s energy is lost through its windows. “Choosing the right company for installation is just as important as the product itself. A trusted energy efficient windows company will guide you toward styles that fit your home’s design and ensure precise installation. Poorly fitted windows can reduce the performance of even the best models, so expert help is essential. Over time, this upgrade pays off in reduced utility bills and a more comfortable home environment year-round.”
Install Proper Insulation
Just as important as energy-saving windows is having the proper insulation. Home’s without it can leak energy through walls, attics and under floors. Energy escaping means heating and cooling systems have to work harder, leading to less efficiency and higher energy costs. If building a new home, ensure you insulate properly from the get-go with one of the many sustainable options out there – such as recycled fibreglass.
If your existing home seems drafty, it may be time to look into upgrading your insulation. Even redoing the insulation in one area – such as the attic – can make a difference. If your home is older there may even be areas that have little to know insulation. Thankfully, you can take advantage of the same insulation options as when building a new home. There are even some new options available that may surprise you – like soybean spray foam or insulation made from dried mushrooms!
Be Smart About Heating and Cooling
Now that you windows and insulation are performing at peak energy-efficiency, it’s time to consider you heating and cooling systems. Heating and cooling make up a large portion of the home’s energy usage. Installing a modern system that distributes air more evenly across the home reduces hot and cold spots and helps prevent the heat or air conditioning unnecessarily kicking on.
Smart thermostats also help reduce energy waste because you can program them to automatically turn the temperature down when you’re away from home as well as at night. Some smart thermostats – such as the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium – even monitor your home’s air quality on top of controlling its temperature.
Switch to Solar Power
The great thing about solar panels is that you can add it to your home at any time. When we built out home, we knew we wanted solar from the very beginning and even cut costs in other areas of the build in order to afford our panels. But even if you are building new and can’t afford them right away – they’re something you can plan for in the future.
I probably don’t have to sing the praises of solar power, but I’m going to anyway. Harnessing the power of the sun means less traditional energy sources are being consumed. There also are other ways to incorporate solar panels into you home besides panels, such as solar water heaters – which heat and store hot water for use in the home.
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