There are a number of ways in which you can make your home greener; I mean more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
When I think of it, I get a “been there, done that” kind of feeling. However, to tell the truth, I feel I haven’t been sufficiently diligent in the past myself and have missed out on many aspects.
Having admitted my (present) shortcomings, allow me to sum up for you all the possible ways of boarding the Go Green bus.
Ventilation measures
This could amount to something as simple as opening the windows or keeping the exhaust fans working. Not only does effective ventilation improve the quality of air but also minimizes the chance of mold and pest invasion. It reduces your vulnerability against exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
I must hasten to add that ventilation is also a great shield against the Sick Building Syndrome (headache, nausea, fatigue, irritation in the eye- Oh! You get it)
Insulation application
Whether you choose the elementary fiberglass batt insulation or the SIPs or spray foams, insulation will always offer you higher energy efficiency. I also lobby for it because it considerably reduces my headache of maintaining heating and cooling. And lest I forget, it is a smart soundproofing technique too.
So you are in the grey zone, uncertain whether your home is sufficiently blessed with insulation? The solution is at hand- Go for a thermographic inspection and you will have all the necessary answers.
If you need a further push, just think about the tax credits you get on insulation.
Energy efficient windows
This is perhaps the easiest to understand. We know how our homes lose out on so much energy just because we lack double paned windows that are energy-efficient. By enhancing the air barrier, double paned, triple glazed or low emissivity coated windows help save energy for you. I lapped up smart tax credits early this year on a double glazing installation.
Through energy efficient applications
For homes, heating is and will always remain the biggest consumption point of energy. I encourage the use of biomass stoves and CHP units which combine heat and power for minimizing consumption (and wastage) of energy.
CHPs use less source fuel to generate typically similar amount of energy because they use the heat which traditional sources of energy miss out on. This way, they also reduce carbon footprints.
I have also personally advocated the use of energy-efficient boilers for a long time now. I am not going to budge on it.
Energy efficient heat pumps
If you mean well, there can be very few things quite like a heat pump. You can use an ‘air source ‘or a ‘ground source’ one. Both reduce your energy consumption a great deal. A Geothermal Heat Pump can almost erase your electricity deficit by 25%. And yes, the tax credits follow (quite a bait in itself, I must say)
Harnessing solar power
Anyone lobbying for renewable energy (There is a Renewable Energy Club of 10 countries in place now. Hint- it is all over the Google Search results) knows the importance of tapping solar energy. Solar photovoltaic cells, thermal collectors or roof tiles are all quite handy and the best part is that you can incorporate them into your eco-friendly house design.
Conserving water for saving energy
You can use low flow showerheads and low flush toilets for controlling your water consumption. Another handy proposition is the tankless water heater that can deploy hot water a lot more effectively for you.
Capturing greywater and using it again and again can also be the way ahead I feel. I have myself been involved in using water relevant to shower and washing machines for toilet flushes and landscape irrigation. And who can miss out on talking about the beauty of rainwater harvesting. Not only does it conserve water for you but also minimize the stormwater peril (ever heard of planning councils favouring homes which are smart with their stormwater effluence.
Environment-friendly gardening
Xeriscape landscaping, vermicomposting, aerobics and anaerobic composting are great ways to increase the nutritive worth of soil. This way, you can lay claim to organic and nutritious products in your garden rather than the ones infested with chemical fertilizers.
Buying green products can also help
So there you go. I hope this list may serve as a starting point for all of us to edge nearer to a more environment friendly household. If we all do a little it still adds up to a lot.
I would also like to add that you contribute to the greenery of your house each time you buy a green product; hormone-free meat, green cleaners, bamboo wine plates or shop without plastic bags, to name a few.
What is your favourite eco-friendliness tip?
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