Whether you are planning to design your new home from scratch, or if you just want to make a few changes to make your property more energy efficient, there has never been a better time for creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.
From choosing the right type of flooring, to selecting smart landscaping, to picking the right fixtures, keep reading to find out how you can design a more energy-efficient home in 2020.
Install Energy Efficient Lighting
The right lighting can transform your home from dark and uninviting to warm and welcoming in an instant. That being said, there is no reason why you can’t choose lighting that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
LED lights are now available in bright white light and soft warm light, meaning you can find the ideal lighting solution for your home and save energy at the same time.
LED lights are long-lasting, energy efficient and contain no mercury making them the perfect option when designing a fuel-saving home.
You should also embrace natural light wherever possible and, if budget allows, look to invest in solar panels for your home.
Pick the Right Radiators
Radiators are essential home appliances, and yet they are often overlooked and expected to simply go on working efficiently with little to no maintenance. However, if you want to create an energy efficient home you need to not only choose the right radiators, but also ensure that you look after them.
Column radiators, which you can find at warmrooms.co.uk, are durable and efficient. Plus, they take up less space than cast iron radiators, but still have the ability to heat a large space. This type of radiator suits both contemporary and period properties, meaning that whatever style of property you have, you can enjoy the benefits of this highly effective heating appliance.
Select Smart Landscaping
Energy efficiency isn’t just for your home, it can also be carried out into your outdoor space. If you want your garden to help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle, then you should look to plant native and low maintenance plants that will not require a lot of watering as this will help cut down your water usage.
It can also be a good idea to plant trees in areas that will not create shade in your home, as sunlight can help to warm your home in the colder months.
Choose Carpets
The type of flooring you pick can have a huge impact on your home’s ability to retain heat and stay feeling warm. Carpets will trap heat and keep your home warm during the colder winter months, whereas wooden flooring can make your property feel chiller.
If you don’t want to invest in new carpets, or you simply love your real wood floors, why not purchase some soft and thick rugs to put down once the weather turns colder?
Focus on Your Kitchen & Bathroom
Out of all the rooms in your home, it is these two that have the most appliances and fixtures. Plus, you are likely to spend a lot of your time in these two key rooms; therefore, you should focus your energy saving efforts predominantly on them.
Consider replacing old appliances — budget allowing — with newer energy efficient ones and you could reduce your energy consumption significantly.
Energy efficient fridges can be up to 20% more efficient than standard ones, and energy efficient washing machines can use 30% less energy and 50% less water than their non energy saving counterparts.
Even if you only make a small design change to your home, you will still be able to reap the rewards, both in terms of savings and sustainability. So, why not make today the day you start planning a more energy efficient home?
