5 things you can do to improve the sustainability of your home

We’re all becoming more aware of the need to be eco-friendly. These days, many of us do the basics such as recycling rubbish (correctly!), without thinking about it too much. But its 2021 and time to step it up a notch. Below we’ve included some simple steps we can all achieve which encourage a more sustainable way of life. The best part, they not only help the planet but are easier on our wallets too! Win Win!

 

Change Lights/light fittings

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will cost you far less to run than halogen and other incandescent lights. Energy-efficient CFLs can also last up to ten times longer than traditional ones. The light from these bulbs will give off light as bright as your old bulbs while saving you money.

 

Check your showerhead

Save money and energy with a water-efficient showerhead which uses 40 per cent less water. Free replacement of old showerheads with water saving showerheads is an eligible activity under the Victorian Energy Saver Scheme. Speak to your local water retailer to see whether they can do this for you.

 

Insulate your home

A well-insulated home holds in heat properly, meaning that it’ll take less energy to keep reheating your living space when you need to. It’s one of the smartest ways to save money.

A good place to start is in the walls and roof of your house. Another tip is to think about your windows, can they be double glazed? Can you add or improve some window furnishings? Don’t discount having thicker curtains in certain rooms, particularly the bedroom. They can be a great energy conserver and in Summer can help keep rooms cooler and darker.

 

Seal air leaks

Sealing your home against air leakages is one of the simplest upgrades you can undertake to increase your comfort while reducing your energy bills and carbon emissions by up to 25%.

Air typically leaks through:

  • unsealed or poorly sealed doors and windows

  • the poor design or omission of airlocks

  • unsealed vents, skylights and exhaust fans

  • gaps in or around ceiling insulation and penetrations (e.g. downlights, pipes and cables)

  • gaps around wall penetrations (e.g. pipes, conduits, power outlets, switches, air conditioners and heaters)

  • gaps between envelope element junctions (e.g. floor−wall or wall−ceiling)

  • poorly fitted or shrunken floorboards.

Walk through your home and see if you can make some adjustments to get your home working harder for you.

 

Tabitha

Tabitha Robbsustainability