Insulation
A home that uses energy inefficiently can be costly over time and is usually a result of either flawed electrical, heating, or air-conditioning systems... or just poor insulation. Lack of good insulation can render air-conditioning ineffective in the Summer and it won't help your heating bills in the Winter. Good insulation can be a valuable selling point of a dwelling when it's time to move on.
Flooring
When it's time to replace your floors, why not go for sustainable products? Material engineers are constantly working on new solutions that benefit the environment and produce great results that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, giving you an ever-growing variety to choose from.
Solar Water Heaters
A traditional electrical water heater accounts for approximately 14% to 25% of the energy consumption of a home. Installing a solar water heater, especially in sunny locations (such as Greece or Spain), can make a huge difference to your electric bill. Using timers on your water heaters can also significantly cut your outgoings.
Lighting
The right light in a room can really improve its appeal, but you should think twice before you settle for the standard incandescent lamps. Choosing compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs is a smart and relatively easy way to reduce household energy consumption. They need 3 to 4 times less energy and last between 8 to 15 times longer than traditional bulbs. Of course, you can always install dimmer switches to enable you to control the brightness of your lamps and the electricity you use.
Photovoltaic Panels
Householders who are seeking to reduce the monthly expenses and carbon emissions at the same time should look into photovoltaic panels (PV). They are usually attached to a roof or wall and convert sunlight into electricity. The produced power can be used to supply most household needs and the excess can be stored in batteries for later use.
Electrical Appliances
Replace your old refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and all your electric appliances in general, with new technology energy-efficient units. You will discover that such a move will have a huge impact on your home's energy consumption. Newer appliances not only use 40% less energy but also come with smart power management systems - turning idle appliances off after some time or putting them in low-energy mode.
