more and more, the improving the energy efficiency of homes is a concern of the Portuguese, not only because it allows decrease the ecological footprint of each of us, but also because allows you to save. So, consider taking advantage of this summer to carry out the necessary works and improvements to increase the energy efficiency of your home. In this article, we have collected some tips that can make a difference in planning and final result.
How important is energy efficiency?
There are several advantages you can obtain by investing in the energy efficiency of your home. Energy resources are not unlimited, so by making your home more efficient, you are contributing to improve the environment. At the beginning you will naturally have to make an investment, however, over time you will be able to recover the amount invested, since your energy bill will go down a lot. In addition, it will increase thermal comfort from your home and consequently value it.What can you do to improve the energy efficiency of your home? can start with improve the thermal insulation of your home, replace toilets, showers and faucets, install solar panels and heat pumps.
Check your home’s thermal insulation
When homes have poor thermal insulation, they very easily lose the heat generated inside, particularly in winter. This way, ensuring good thermal insulation is essential to improve energy efficiency and also reduce your electricity bill.. Check the insulation of the roof, walls, doors and windows. Choose to install efficient windows with double glazing, because in addition to avoiding losing winter heat, you are also investing in the acoustic comfort of your home. Read also: Efficient windows contribute to the reduction of energy bills
Energy-efficient showers and faucets
Replace the showers and faucets in your home with more efficient ones, as this will allow you to spend less water and thus save on your bill at the end of the month. If, however, you are not able to replace the faucets and showers at this time, you can choose to flow reducerswhich will allow you to reduce water consumption.
Double flush toilets or flush stop
When installing cisterns with the dual flush system or with discharge interruptionwill allow you spend much less water. If, however, you are not currently able to make this change, you can for example put a full plastic bottle into the toiletthus preventing it from filling completely and consequently using less water.
Bet on solar panels
If you have a house, you can choose to install solar panels. They exist two types of solar panels, photovoltaic, which generate electricity through sunlightand the thermal plants, which generate heat to heat water.In relation to photovoltaic panels, the main advantage is the reduction of your electricity bill, as they generate renewable energy. As for thermal panels, the main advantage is the possibility of having hot water without having to spend electricity to heat it .Always keep in mind that the initial investment in solar panels is a little high, however, the investment is easily recouped since the value of your energy bill will decrease a lot. Read also: Does selling surplus solar panels pay off? Know what steps to take
Install heat pumps
Heat pumps are a way to heat or cool your home, they can also be used to heat water. These devices use very little electricity.so they are considered an excellent option for those who want to be more efficient and save on electricity bill. The most used heat pumps are aerothermal and geothermal. Aerothermal heat pumps generate heat from the outside temperature. In turn, geothermal heat pumps generate heat from the ground.
Invest in small actions that increase energy efficiency
Regardless of the implementation of the indicated improvements, you can always take small actions that allow you to save money and above all help the environment, such as: Turn off the tap water when you are brushing your teeth or soaping yourself in the shower; Buy more efficient appliances (always check the energy labels); Do not leave electronic equipment on standby, turn it off them completely;Turn off the lights when nobody is in a room;Opt for energy-saving light bulbs;Use the washing machine only when you can fill it completely;Dry your clothes in the sun.Also read: New energy label: How to keep saving on the electricity bill
A professional writer by day, a tech-nerd by night, with a love for all things money.