Sustainable home upgrades are becoming increasingly common in the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond. Although the initial investment can put people off, costs have come down, and there’s potential for large long-term savings. From insulation to eco-friendly decorating, here are some ideas.
Septic tank installation
What can we really say about the septic tank? Well, they’re necessary, and they help with the plumbing flow. You know what they do! But what do they have to do with sustainability? The septic tank plays a more important role than you may think. They help protect marine life by filtering out harmful stuff before the effluent drains into rivers. This keeps aquatic wildlife safe, and you get peace of mind knowing you aren’t contributing to any extra water pollution.
Heating, draughts and insulation
Keeping the home warm is a burden for many people these days. With rising costs and winter setting in, it can feel impossible sometimes. However, you can make your home more sustainable by using less heating energy with some relatively minor changes. Thermostat control is a major one, having adequate insulation is another. Finally, use a lit candle to detect any draughts and seal up those annoying and expensive little gaps.
Renewable sustainable home upgrades
Renewable energy has become something of a buzzword. But it’s an important factor if you want to create a sustainable home. The costs vary, but there are a range of money-saving methods you can adopt.
Solar panels
Solar panels are cheaper than ever and can save up to 90% on your electricity bill when positioned correctly. There are also grants and funds available for their installation in the USA and the UK.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps are an alternative to traditional radiators. They’re energy-efficient and contribute much less carbon to the environment than oil and gas boilers. Again, installation grants are available, however, not all properties are suitable for this option.
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers are up to 90% more efficient than a gas boiler. They burn wood instead of gas, and can potentially save thousands per year. However, they do require more maintenance.
Most modern options are designed to reduce emissions. They can also save a bundle, despite the high initial installation costs. Many people are currently adopting a hybrid approach to these methods.
Eco-friendly decorating
Decorating the home is something many people do regularly. Of course, doing it isn’t exactly cheap these days. But it also isn’t very good for the environment either. So, how can you go about eco-friendly decorating? The first choice is to use paint made with non-volatile organic compounds (NVOCs). That’s a mouthful! NVOCs are much safer for you and the environment. Also, a ventilation system should be used to collect dust and particles for safe disposal.
Water and flow control
Alongside energy, water is one of the most wasted commodities. Most people don’t even think about water usage but given that there are billions who don’t have easy access to safe drinking water, it’s a privilege. Small things like taking shorter showers, filling the sink to the level you need and fixing dripping taps can all add up to making a big difference. You could also use low-flow devices like aerators to reduce the amount of water you use. These can be applied to the toilet, shower head and sink taps.
Summary
Installing a septic tank is one of the most useful sustainable home upgrades when it comes to helping the aquatic environment. You can also install renewable fuel devices such as biomass boilers. And it helps to reduce how much water your family uses with low-flow products.
