An energy efficient home is no longer just the aim of environmentalists or fanatics in the battle against climate change. Taking a risk on energy efficiency in the home can mean benefits of up to 50% on electricity or gas bills. So, here are a few tips that you can put in place to boost energy self-consumption.
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Benefit from sunlight
Whenever possible, natural light should be enjoyed. To do this, even if you have to carry out renovations, it is best to distribute the windows at a point where the sun’s rays enter all the spaces in the home. In the same way, the colour white in the room helps to filter natural light.
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Isolation
To obtain an energy-efficient home, first of all it is important to boost insulation by putting insulation boards on walls and ceilings that prevent heat loss inside and thus save on heating. In the case of windows, check the locking device, the cladding and sealing, and look for possible leakage points. If necessary, distribute adhesive plastic foil in these critical areas. Correspondingly, older houses have windows that cannot be double-glazed, so in this case it is best to modify them. Industry experts note that sliding windows are one of the worst alternatives to buy if you are looking to improve the efficiency of your home.
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Refines consumer habits
The benefit of energy efficiency in the home often comes from taking steps that are, for many, insignificant, but can make a significant difference:
- Lower the heating a couple of degrees. At 22º it is more than ideal to get the house at the perfect temperature.
- Shower in 10 minutes with lukewarm water, especially in hot weather.
- Airing when the air coming through the window is fresh.
- Do not suddenly change the air conditioning settings and switch it off half ana hour before leaving the house
- Turn off the lights in rooms where no one is present and do not leave electrical appliances on stand-by
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Economising on water
Water reuse is a good alternative for acquiring an energy self-sufficient home. Using a hot water storage system or linking the external supply with the self-supply are options that contribute to this saving. Similarly, care should be taken with taps. It is preferable to opt for a mixer tap.
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Modifications to artificial lighting
If you haven’t already done so, replace incandescent bulbs with LED or low-energy bulbs. They last up to nine times longer than traditional bulbs and save you money on your bills.
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Optical fibre assembly
A Swedish company has come up with a system that uses a fibre optic cable to capture sunlight and convert it into solar energy to light various rooms in the house. Technicians have also verified that fibre optics consume 8 times less energy than copper installations, making them up to 80% more efficient.
