More than 1.3 million Australians households have installed solar panel systems in a bid to lower their electricity expenses but many Aussies don’t realise that an eco-friendly home can also help in generating savings and creating a healthy living environment.
Factors in an eco-friendly home include things like landscaping and location, materials for interiors, home appliances, insulation, and paint can go a long ways towards saving money and making a house more inviting.
An eco-friendly home is deemed more valuable in the market, thus many home owners are enticed to make their abodes earth-friendly. For instance, the addition of solar panels to the roof can significantly raise the value of a property. Solar panels harness the rays of the sun, providing power to heating systems, lighting and household appliances.
One organisation, Urban Ecology Australia, is urging the Australian government to implement stricter building codes to ensure that houses are effectively insulated against heat and cold and are equipped with water and energy-efficient appliances.
Landscaping and Insulation in eco-friendly homes
An eco-friendly home begins with good landscaping. Home buyers are encouraged to consider purchasing land with lots of trees and shrubbery that would help shield against the punishing heat during the summer season.
Home-owners don’t have to leave their existing homes to reside in an eco-friendly home. Simply upgrading their windows can do the trick. Experts suggest that existing windows be fitted with superior quality double glazed panes that trap the heat during the winter season, and prevent cold air from escaping the house during the summer months.
Double glazed paned windows will also reduce the reliance of a house on central cooling and heating systems.
Insulation can also keep an eco-friendly home less reliant on central and heating systems. A well insulated house can remain cool during summer and warm in winter, leading to lower electricity bills.
Updated home appliances in eco-friendly homes
Bringing in newer home appliances may sound extravagant but these are energy-efficient and could make a household save more in the long run. It is recommended that families replace one major home appliance every year until every appliance at home meets the highest standards for energy efficiency.
Australia implements energy efficiency labelling program that requires labels to be displayed on all new appliances such as cleaners, refrigerators, washing machines, and television. A star rating gives consumers a comparative assessment of how energy efficient an appliance is. The more stars that an appliance has, the more efficient it is in the use of electricity.
How painting can save energy
Most solvent-borne paints have harmful chemicals that are emitted as gases and could pose serious risks to the ozone layer. These harmful chemicals include volatile organic compounds that can lead to serious health problems such as damage to the vital organs and less serious cases like throat and eye irritation.
The choice of colour could also have an effect on the energy utilization. As much as possible, a room should be painted with bright colours. Painting a room with dark colours like grey and blue would mean more lighting, and thus increase energy consumption.
