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Making sustainable home renovations can be one of the more fulfilling parts of a project. Renovations, in general, can be a bit of a nightmare but much easier when you know you will contribute to saving the planet! From electrical overhauls to efficiency, here are some ideas.
Natural Insulation Materials
Reducing how much energy you use is a top concern for many people right now. With prices high and supply relying on fossil fuels, we can all play a role in creating a safer, healthier and more sustainable planet. Eco-friendly materials such as timber can help insulate the home. For example, exterior wood cladding helps retain heat and keep the cold out. In addition, it adds a touch of modern elegance to any home and contributes to a sale when selling your home.
An Electrical Overhaul
Almost everyone relies on electricity. But most homes are pretty old, and the electrical systems they use are often just as old. Updating the electrical circuitry of your home can make it much more efficient. Additionally, you can take the opportunity to wire energy-saving devices and replace older ones. For example, a renovation project can install LED lighting in the main sockets across the home or a single room. These alone will use a lot less electricity.
Smart Tech Sustainable Home Renovations
Currently there are around 7.2 million smart homes in the UK because one of the best pieces of tech you can use these days is smart tech. Most smart devices are very user friendly, can be installed easily with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and do a lot more than play wireless headphones. The new smart tech protocol, “Matter”, is also designed to be even easier. Smart apps allow you to control everything in your home, including devices that use a lot of electricity and gas.
Installing Efficient Appliances
We also rely on appliances. White appliances such as fridges and washing machines are traditionally power-hungry, especially older ones. No one is saying you can get devices that use almost no energy. But modern appliances are designed to be much more efficient. A new washer dryer, for example, will be much more efficient than one from ten years ago. You can potentially save a lot of money too, as new models also come with handy eco modes.
Renewable Energy Designs
A redesign of your home’s heating system can provide amazing benefits. Renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, comes with installation costs (which are much lower these days) but can save you a ton of money immediately and in the long term. When going through an extensive renovation, you can take the opportunity to have renewable features installed. You will also future-proof your home as the world shifts from reliance on fossil fuels.
Summary
Natural materials such as wood act as excellent insulation, so they should be considered for sustainable home renovations. You can also control your home’s energy with smart devices. But you can also take the opportunity to install a renewable energy system when renovating.