6 Approaches to Building a Greener Home

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The constant threat of environmental degradation has never been more apparent than now. Every person is encouraged to do their part in making sure that there is still a bright future for the coming generations. Many aspects of how we live our lives impact the environment. It is true that in little ways, there is much difference everyone can make.

The home is one of the first places where you can make an impact on saving energy and switching to more sustainable practices. These days, living in a green home may still be a novel idea, but there are changes you can incorporate here and there which will lead to positive results. Here are some approaches to building a greener home.

Focus on insulation

Heating and cooling remain a primary necessity for comfort. If you have a central HVAC system, much of the energy is lost without proper insulation. There are specific building materials intended to improve insulation. You can go to www.sipsecopanels.co.uk to learn more. With a well-insulated home, you will use less energy for heating and cooling, therefore, saving money over time.

Insulation does not only refer to a home’s walls. You also need to insulate windows and doors. There are also specially manufactured energy-efficient windows which can prevent hot or cold air from escaping. Aside from this, insulation should also extend to crawl areas and spaces such as the home’s attic. Most of the heating or cooling provided by HVAC systems escapes though un insulated crawl spaces.

 

Use energy-efficient appliances

A lot of home appliances today have ENERGY STAR labels which mean that they are energy-efficient. An energy-efficient home appliance helps homeowners save money on utility payments while at the same time enjoying the same quality and performance level.

Recycle waste

You need to practice reducing the amount of waste produced on a daily basis. A lot of households often fail at this during the first try, but you don’t need to take it to the extreme. Simple changes like switching to reusable shopping bags and eliminating the use of plastic straws can make a huge difference.

 

Build with sustainable materials

If you are in the process of building a home, you can use sustainable materials which are better for the environment. Some suppliers also specialise in providing builders with reclaimed lumber, recycled glass, and various flooring materials made from renewable resources.

 

Build a smaller home

Bigger homes use more resources and need more energy for heating and cooling. In building a house, consider the right size not only for practicality, but to prevent wasting resources. A single family home does not have to be enormous to be comfortable.

 

Consider alternative energy sources

While installing a solar panel can be a sizeable investment, it is still worth considering, especially if you live in a large home with high energy requirements. Solar panels are useful in augmenting electricity needs as well as heating. If you produce enough solar energy, you may even become less dependent on traditional power sources.