Energy Efficiency and Your Home

Energy efficiency isn’t just great for the environment, an energy efficient home can save you money! Read on to find out more.

Energy is necessary

Let’s face it. Every home needs energy to power lights, cook food, wash clothes and entertain. Where your energy comes from and how much your home uses, however, is entirely up to you! If you’re renovating your existing home, or building a new home, energy is an important consideration. Upgrading the technology in your home is not as daunting as it once was, and can be great for your bottom line in the long term. Bills arrive monthly, quarterly, yearly from gas and electricity companies and prices seem to go up every year. By reducing your energy usage, or even generating your own power from natural resources, your wallet will thank you!

Power

Most homes use electricity or gas to power appliances and heating/cooling systems. Mainline gas is sometimes cheaper than electricity and more efficient, however it is not a renewable resource. Electricity can be expensive and used quickly if you have many appliances and people sharing a home. One of the best ways to upgrade your power source is to incorporate renewable energy into your home. Energy efficient homes almost always make use of solar panels that use heat from the sun to convert to power for the home. You can also find solar hot water systems that can replace gas hot water. Choosing cleaner energy sources is a great way to achieve an energy efficient home.

Design

Often, missed opportunities occur at the beginning of a renovation project or new build. Failing to design a home in the most efficient possible way is a big mistake, especially with the information available nowadays. Utilise free natural light, and ensure the home can take advantage of the light throughout the day. This means less power is used on artificial lighting and heating. Think outside the square- spaces that share heat with a fireplace that can heat two rooms at the same time. Even material choices can affect how well your home performs from an energy efficiency standpoint. The design should also address the issue of heat gain and loss by making sure main living areas can be sealed well.

Use less

Renewable energy, such as solar, might mean some higher up-front costs, but will save you money in the long term. You will be generating your own power, which means less power bills! An important step in ensuring your home is energy efficient is to use less energy. This can be achieved with smart technology such as adaptors on a timer that can switch off appliances when they’re not in use. Upgrading appliances is also a great way to take advantage of the latest technology, making sure your fridge is running at an optimal level can save power. Train your family to be mindful of their usage, and find ways to utilise energy efficiently! Laptops use less power than desktop computers, and dryers use a lot of power compared to air drying. Incorporate enough drying space in your laundry to minimise the need to use the dryer!

We recommend balancing efficiency with sustainable materials. Consider how the material is made and choose recycled products with a long life expectancy.