Not only is making our home eco-friendly a great thing for the environment but living sustainably also offers a whole range of other advantages for your family.
Here are some ways you can ‘go green’.
Reduce your energy bills
The use of renewable energy can help households save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, every year. In fact, a family using a 6.6kW solar power set-up – purchased for somewhere between $4000 and $6000 – will typically save between $1200 to $1800 on their power bills each year.
Making your home energy-efficient and eco-friendly via renewables can also give you peace of mind that you’re helping the planet.
Better-planned living environments
Families living in sustainable houses will be noticeably more comfortable in their homes year-round.
For example, households located in cool climates may choose to build their house with eco-friendly principles to keep warm in winter. The dwelling is orientated north to draw sunlight into living areas through double-glazed windows.
High ceilings are avoided and the front door has an enclosed entryway to stop cold air from flowing into the home. Rubber draft stoppers are also installed on the bottom of the doors to keep out any cold air. Wool insulation is put into the walls and ceilings, and underfloor heating is installed that’s run by solar panels.
Meanwhile, on the outside of the home, the family opts for durable and heavy timber cladding to limit damage when the winds pick up. As a result, the family home stays relatively warm all year round.
Households located in warmer, more humid locations would opt for a home to keep them cool in hot, humid summers. Choosing a Queenslander-style home to create maximum ventilation, in and under the house. Windows are plentiful and open wide to allow in the cool breezes, but they are shaded from the sun by eaves to stop rooms from heating up.
Reflective foil insulation in the ceiling is especially good for creating a buffer from the hot midday sun. Ceiling fans are put in all the living areas and bedrooms to help keep the air moving.
Outside the family paints the house in light, white and grey tones to help reflect the sun. In the garden, they plant plenty of shady native tropical trees to cool the areas around the house.
Putting thought into your home to make it eco-friendly will create a much more comfortable atmosphere and reduce the need for energy-guzzling appliances.
Potentially better health
It’s no secret sustainable living is good for the earth, but it’s also good for you.
Less manufactured temperate control
Improved insulation and ventilation, means less dependence on heating and air conditioning. This reduces the circulation of dust, mites, and mould – lessening the risks and symptoms of respiratory diseases, like asthma.
No harmful toxins
Eco-homes use fewer chemicals and harmful materials during construction compared to conventional homes. This helps occupants avoid breathing in toxins that can have harmful effects over the long term.
Lower fire risk
Natural materials used in green homes can be less flammable and, in some cases, don’t burn at all, reducing the risk of fire.
Connection to nature
Indoor-outdoor living is a key aspect of eco-homes, and this can help keep residents better connected to the natural world.
For example, orientating a house to the north means you can sit inside but enjoy the feel of the sun during the day.
Using the breeze for natural ventilation can leave us feeling calmer as the air flows through the house.
Double glazing can also assist with reducing external noises from busy streets or aircraft, which can interrupt sleep.
