However, improvements on your home won't just help save the environment - they will save your wallet too! Investing in home upgrades can pay themselves off in a few short years, meaning you can save cash while also doing your part for the environment.
Here are 6 sustainable features that can make your home more environmentally friendly this summer.
1. Install Solar Panels
Solar Panels require a hefty initial investment, however once installed can significantly slash your electricity bills. A properly sized and installed solar panel system can lower your monthly energy consumption by as much as 80%.
Get the most out of this energy-efficient upgrade by running your appliances, such as your dishwasher or dryer, during the day. Also, try to cool down your home with your aircon during the daytime so it can be switched off at night.
2. Install Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water systems are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat your home's water during summer.
Your hot water system will come with a storage tank unit that can be installed on a rooftop or at ground level. These work amazingly during summer and can have a booster added, so they continue heating your water in winter.
3. Add Insulation to Your Roof and Walls
Adding insulation to your home's roofs and walls not only makes your home more eco-friendly, but it can save you money on electricity costs too. This simple step alone could reduce heating and cooling energy costs by up to 15%.
A lot of new homes come with insulation already installed. However, if you live in an older home, this could be an overdue home upgrade that will cut down your carbon footprint.
4. Tint Your Windows
Large windows are an awesome way to open up your home and let in natural light. However, windows also allow a large amount of heat to flood through.
Tinting or double glazing your windows can reduce the amount you need to use your air conditioning by 30%. This can be a game-changer in the warmest summer months of the year and mean you may not even have to use your air-con in the spring and autumn months.
5. Switch to a Water Saving Showerhead
Along with hot summers come droughts. One thing everyone can do to negative environmental impacts is to reduce the amount of water they are using.
Showers are a huge part of most people's daily routines. It is estimated that the average person spends around 40 minutes in the shower every single day.
If you want to be more environmentally friendly with your showers but don't want to sacrifice the luxurious time, consider switching to a showerhead with a high WELS rating.
6. Use Eco-Friendly products
The use of eco-friendly and recycled materials go a long way towards creating a greener home.
Eco-friendly building materials include recycled wood, bamboo, cork, precast concrete and recycled glass. And these extend to your backyard as well. Consider which outdoor living products are the most environmentally friendly. For example, if you're planning to build a deck, opt for recycled wood and plastic deck board as opposed to traditional timber.
It's also important to reduce the need for single-use plastics such as straws, plastic bags and plastic wrap. For transporting or storing good around your home, consider purchasing Australia-made canvas products that will last for years to come, saving the environment and your pocket at the same time.
Make Your Home Eco-Friendly Today!
With just a little bit of work, you can create an eco-friendly house this summer! You may consider installing solar panels, installing solar hot water, adding insulation to your roof and walls, tinting your windows, or switching to a water-saving showerhead.
If the home upgrades we have provided are a little too expensive, don't worry; there are plenty of other ways to create energy-efficient homes, such as:
- Upgrading to eco-friendly light bulbs
- Switching to biodegradable bin bags
- Disposing of batteries, pens, old electronics and cans at recycling centres
- Walk, ride your bike, take public transport
- Create a native garden