With the surge of environmental concerns, owning a home at this age is far different now than it was years ago. As efforts to go green become global, homeowners like you become part of the solution.
Improve your and your family’s quality of life today by making eco-friendly and environment-conscious choices permanent.
From reducing carbon emissions to lessening water waste, here are five eco-friendly home improvement tips you can practice in 2024.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Good lighting can brighten your space as a homeowner, but it can also be one of the reasons your electric bills are so high. It is time to change a light bulb or two for your next home improvement.
Despite being cheaper, halogen or incandescent light bulbs are no good for the good for the environment. Compared to their more energy-efficient alternative, these bulbs burn out faster, with more than 80% of their energy converted to heat rather than light. The hotter it is, the greater the infrared and UV radiation it produces!
Switch to LED light bulbs instead and save less energy and money spent replacing them. Consider also installing skylights, doors, and windows that maximize natural light better.
Upgrade to Energy-Saving Appliances
From induction cookers to inverter refrigerators, energy-saving appliances have become more accessible. For your next upgrade, prioritize replacing wet and cold appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, among the top five energy-consuming appliances.
When choosing your appliance upgrade, look for the energy label, which tells you how much electricity or wattage it uses. Be mindful also of bigger appliances. While they seem cheaper to get, the bigger they are, the more energy they consume. If you use them sparingly, consider smaller alternatives.
Invest in Cool Roofs
Installing air conditioning systems may seem like the best choice during warmer summers. But when considering home improvements for the long term, investing in a cool roof may be the best choice for the environment.
Similar to sporting a white shirt on a hot day, switching to a light-colored roof can deflect heat from the sun and regulate your home’s temperature. Keep your homes at least ten °C to 28°C cooler than traditional dark roofs, by switching to cool roofs that expel heat without costing you energy or money.
Consult home designers on the best roofing material or coating for this next upgrade.
Convert to Solar Energy Sources
Choosing renewable or solar energy sources is one feature of a sustainable home. Good for you and the environment, switching to renewable energy reduces the reliance on fossil fuels like coal, which will remain the country’s top energy source in 2023.
As the country undergoes its energy transition, upgrading to solar panels or outdoor solar lights is one home improvement you can make to cut energy costs. It can also reduce carbon emissions and limit air pollution, some of the critical benefits of a sustainable home.
As solar energy sources become cheaper and more accessible, ensure that your solar panels are strategically placed and climate-appropriate before making the switch.
Practice Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening
A picture-perfect lawn may seem ideal, but it usually comes at the cost of soil health and biodiversity. When considering your next greening project, choose a more eco-friendly alternative with natural landscaping and gardening.
A process that requires the least maintenance, natural landscaping with native plants does not require as much water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Tailored to the local climate, it also cuts the need for watering and mowing, a contributor to greenhouse emissions.
Aside from sustainable landscaping practices, consider installing a small garden or herb patch. Growing your produce can also save you money and minimize your carbon footprint. A good rule of thumb for your green thumb is to raise beginner-friendly plants that you can put in pots or planters around your home.
Plan Your Next Eco Home Improvement with Balai Bayi
Do you have an eco-friendly home improvement project in mind? At Balai Bayi, we are committed to designing solutions that work well for you and your environment. Start your eco-conscious efforts and improve your home through our design consultancy and architectural services. Contact us today, and let’s plan your home’s next upgrade to a greener, more eco-friendly future!