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energy efficient home: A Solution to Climate Change
Introduction to Energy Efficient Homes
Energy-efficient homes are now becoming an important step in the fight against climate change. They, in general, reduce their overall carbon footprint by optimizing energy consumption and through the incorporation of environmental-friendly practices into their ways of living. These houses mainly target consuming lesser energy through the use of advanced features and technologies.
The most basic feature of energy-efficient homes is improved insulation. Better insulation lets out less heated or cooled air so that the inside of the house can remain at a constant temperature with minimal use of heating or cooling appliances. Another critical element in the pursuit of energy efficiency for homes involves the utilization of energy-efficient appliances. These are engineered to carry out their intended functions while using significantly less energy compared to similar standard models. Renewable energy sources also play a vital role in energy-efficient homes.
We are seeing that the more people are shifting towards energy-efficient homes. This is because there is growing awareness of environmental issues and the urgent need to address climate change. Many governments and organizations globally are trying to reduce their country’s carbon emissions. Thus, we are also seeing more homeowners realizing the long-term economic as well as ecological benefits of energy-efficient homes and taking the step forward. These energy-efficient homes reduce energy consumption, thereby helping create a healthy planet while conserving electricity costs significantly.
Practical steps for energy efficient home you can take.
Seal the Leaks
Our home is a system, and any leaks are like energy thieves. So, plug those gaps.
- Air sealing – Find out which windows, doors and where plumbing entries etc. are leaking the air and seal them
- Duct sealing – Leaking air ducts could cause great energy loss. So, you might wish to check that out and fix it.
Insulate your house
Proper insulation is very important for energy- efficient home.
- Wall insulation-consider adding wall insulation in your homes.
- Window insulation- Windows are more obvious ones for energy loss. Consider adding double paned windows or add window treatments like insulating binds or thermal curtains.
Upgrade Your Appliances
The Modern appliances in the market are significantly more energy-efficient than old ones. When you buy new appliance, try to look for energy star label on appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers etc. A higher star appliance may cost higher initially but in the longer run it will save your energy bills.
Switch to led lighting
LED lighting is good for energy efficiency. They use fraction of energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer. Make the switch to LED lighting throughout your home to save more.
Let's delve deeper
Power Down
Even electronics that are switched off continue to draw small power. So, inculcate the habit of pulling out the charging units, appliances, and other devices when not in use.
Use The Power Of Nature
Take advantage of natural resources whenever possible. Utilize sunlight during daytime instead of artificial lighting.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly maintain your heating and cooling appliances. Check your air conditioners clean or replace the air filters as recommended by manufacturer.
Behavioural Changes
Take shorter showers. Wash clothes with cold water. Cook efficiently meaning use right size pot for burner and cover pots while cooking.
Renewable Energy
Switch to renewable energy such as solar energy or wind energy whichever possible; most probably solar energy as many are adopting it in households.
Embrace Smart Home Technology
If budget permits you can switch smart home device, smart plugs, smart lighting systems etc.
The Environmental Benefits of Energy Efficient Homes
Energy-efficient homes are indeed an important part of our plan to minimize the environmental impacts associated with traditional housing. One of the ways through which it helps is by highly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. They do not consume much energy, and thus, the amount of fossil fuel being used decreases. Since we use less fossil fuels, this, in turn, reduces the volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere.
In addition, energy-efficient homes result in overall pollutants emission reduction. This improves the air quality and reduces the formation of smog. This has the biggest impact in urban areas where air pollution is a major health risk. Reduced energy needs also result in less usage of coal-based power plants, which have been found to be considerable sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides-combustion byproducts that cause acid rain and respiratory issues.
Energy-saving houses do not only reflect positively on the environment but also save forests and lands as well. Since we are using less, our energy requirement is less. Thus, it leads to decreased resource extraction, such as mining for coal or drilling for oil. That reduces pressure on natural habitats and contributes to biodiversity.
Another advantage is water pollution control. Conventional power plants have been known to use an enormous amount of water and, in consequence, pollute this water through thermal discharge and toxic runoff. Energy-efficient houses consume less power, thereby indirectly encouraging cleaner waters since they do not exert much pressure on such plants.
