With the ongoing sustainability campaigns, people are actively engaging in clean energy practices. The Go-green movement is not just a moral obligation but a viable option to increase efficiency regardless of where you decide to implement it.
It also explains the rising trend amongst homeowners to opt for sustainable homes and make conscious efforts towards lowering the environmental footprints of their living spaces. This trend is especially highlighted in the suburban city of Elmhurst, with its attractive neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a keen sense of community. Alongside homeowners, most academic institutes at Elmhurst are actively pursuing and promoting sustainability, boasting an impressive list of achievements.
If you want to reduce your energy bills while contributing to a greater good, read our list of top tips to reduce your house’s carbon footprint and improve efficiency.
- Low flow Toilets and Showers
Traditional showers and toilet flushes are common water wastage sources. On the other hand, a low-flow toilet or shower uses significantly less water than traditional models. A standard toilet in the US requires 3.5 US gallons per flush, while a low-flow toilet reduces that amount to merely 1.6 US gallons per full flush and 1.28 US gallons or less for each reduced flush. A low-flow shower head also reduces water consumption by 60% per month.
These water savings make a stark difference in your water consumption, significantly bringing down your water bills. On top of that, bathroom remodeling and sustainable upgrades boost resale value. In Elmhurst, for instance, bathroom remodeling can offer a spike in resale value by almost $39,000. When considering bathroom upgrades, hire a professional to carry out this extensive work. Consult a trusted service for bathroom remodeling in Elmhurst and book your appointment right away.
- Water Conservation Systems
You can also reduce your water bills by investing in other water conservation systems, such as rainwater or greywater harvesting.
As the name suggests, a rainwater harvesting system uses rainwater to meet your water consumption needs. Rainwater is collected, treated, and distributed throughout your home to be used.
Greywater includes residual water collected from sinks, washbasins, and baths, which is then used for flushing and gardening purposes, effectively reusing water and reducing your utility bills.
- Smart Thermostat
Smart appliances and systems are bound to amp up your domestic experience. These appliances not only increase efficiency but often contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. The same is true for smart thermostats.
Today, smart thermostats come with a variety of options. These high-tech devices are great at providing personalized temperature control that you may schedule as per your needs or opt for an automated option where the temperature of your house is regulated as per external environmental factors.
- Energy-Saving and Efficient Appliances
Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances or invest in an automated lighting system with sensors and timers. Always unplug appliances when not in use. Also, check for an Energy Star logo on your electrical appliances before buying. Energy Star appliances are known for their low energy consumption and reduced operating costs without compromising performance.
Replace your regular light bulbs will LEDs and CFL lights.
- Solar Powered Systems
According to a 2020 report, 3.7% of single-family homes generate electricity from small-scale solar systems, a significant rise from 1.6% in 2018. Solar energy is the easiest form of energy harvesting to fulfill your home’s energy requirements. Today, households use solar energy not just for electricity generation but also for heating purposes.
Switching to solar energy will not only drastically reduce your carbon footprint but also lessen your monthly electricity bills by a great margin. However, before installing a solar system, ensure that your residence has ample roof space, the correct roof orientation, and shading. Ensure the roof has good exposure to sunlight throughout the day and year. Familiarize yourself with local permits and regulations regarding your solar-powered energy system, and you are good to go.
- Proper Insulation
Ensure proper insulation in your home to reduce energy consumption. Go through available insulation options and pick whichever suits your home best to ensure proper dakisolatie or roof insulation and well-insulated ceilings, walls, and windows, as well.
Methods such as foam injection and blown-in attic insulation are great for insulating your walls and ceiling. There are vast insulation options to choose from, so do your research before picking one.
Also, consider double-glazed windows for completed insulated windows. A double-glazed window uses two glass panes with a tiny space between each pane, effectively creating a tight air pocket. This non-circulating air acts as a great insulator.
- Create a Compost Bin of Kitchen Scraps
Did you know that the waste food in landfills creates greenhouse gases such as methane (21 times more potent than carbon dioxide)? A typical US household generates nearly 474 pounds of food waste. About 90% of the food thrown out from houses, supermarkets, and cafeterias is recyclable.
Composting is one of the most common ways of recycling kitchen waste. To make compost, you can use coffee grounds, fruit, veggie scraps, or recyclable packaging. To avoid adding harmful material to your compost, add a compost bin in your kitchen to throw away all your kitchen scraps.
- Use Water Based Wall Paints
Avoid using traditional paints containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These paints emit toxins as they dry, contributing to indoor pollution.
Go for water-based, zero-VOC paints for your homes as a safer alternative. Given proper application, these also tend to last longer and require less work, material, and energy.
- Rooftop Gardens and Indoor Plants
A splash of nature never hurts anyone. Consider adding indoor plants around your homes for improved air quality. Yes, plants not only make your interior livelier and livable but are also great at removing toxins from the air and lowering temperatures.
Consider adding a rooftop garden if your living arrangement allows you to do so. A rooftop garden will reduce roof surface and surrounding air temperatures by removing heat from the air and providing great shade. Green roofs are great at lowering the heat island effect in urban areas, all while improving air quality and reducing pollution. A green roof will regulate your home temperatures in all weather.
Conclusion
Minimizing your environmental impact will go a long way in serving you and the society. By minimizing waste and adhering to sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and contribute towards a sustainable society. But while carrying out such upgrades in your house, ensure to hire professionals, especially for bathroom upgrades and remodeling.