Hello World! Welcome Friends! As the conversation about climate change continues, American homeowners wonder whether their individual choices at home could be significant for the planet. As surprising as it might sound, U.S. households could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, according to research, Americans’ annual per capita carbon footprint is approximately 5 times higher than the global per capita average. Experts estimate that households are responsible for one-fifth of U.S. emissions. But, as a homeowner, you might be conscious about maintaining your cozy and welcoming home while preserving the environment.
Most homeowners worry that cutting their carbon footprint might just transform their home sweet home into a homemade outdoor hut barely held together by a piece of organic string. In reality, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort and style to keep your gas emissions to a minimum. It can not only be a stylish interior statement, but it doesn’t need to transform your lifestyle significantly. If you are unsure how your interior choices could improve your residential carbon footprint, this article is for you. No homeowner should choose between the planet and feeling happy in their own home. So here are some thoughtful energy additions that are good for your home and the environment.
Consider Air Infiltration
One of the biggest causes for a high carbon footprint is your energy consumption. Unfortunately, reducing how much energy you need without compromising comfort is not easy. Most households unknowingly waste energy, which tends to happen when structural or lifestyle elements contribute to increased energy needs. An ineffective heating and cooling system is the most common reason for excessive energy consumption. That’s precisely why HVAC maintenance can be a game-changer. But if you are confident that your air conditioning system is functional, the next place to look for issues is your roof. Indeed, air infiltration through the roof can result in 30% heat loss in winter — or cool air loss in summer. You can easily test for infiltration. The temperature underneath your roof will differ from the rest of the house if the roof lets the outdoor air through. Additionally, an old roof is likely to require a full replacement rather than repair work. Investing in a new roof can be costly; however, it can significantly improve your property’s carbon footprint. Additionally, a high-end roof will also improve the property value and curb appeal, enhancing your home.
Install a Smart Hub
Smart households are growing in popularity. They present fantastic advantages to support families in their everyday lives. Smart homes also enhance life quality for individuals who would otherwise not be able to maintain their independence, such as someone with a severe mobility handicap. For the average household, the smart market also delivers surprising energy savings. Indeed, by automating your home, you could reduce your carbon footprint while making your life easier at the same time. What’s not to like about it? Thankfully, the steps on how to make a smart home leave plenty of room for styling and decoration. In essence, a smart hub acts as an assistant that will manage several functions in your home on your behalf. Does it affect your decor? No, it affects only appliances, heating and lighting systems, security, and overall electric consumption. By enabling your home to automate and improve existing functions, you not only reduce household chores but also energy bills.
Make the Most of the Energy Sources
Photovoltaic shingles, or solar panels, look and feel like traditional roofing materials. They do not affect the appearance of your property. But they can generate electricity while boosting the value of your home by as much as $15,000. Can you fully replace your energy consumption via solar panels? The typical U.S. household consumes 10,400 kWh per year. In other words, you will need around 28 to 34 solar panels at an average of 250-watt per panel to self-power your home. This might not be feasible, depending on your roof size. However, it’s a great way of enhancing your home’s look and feel while reducing your greenhouse gas emissions.
Opt for Organic Products
Organic products are a no-brainer. They often find their ways naturally inside environmentally-friendly homes. Eco-friendly cleaning products, for example, are gentle on the skin. They will keep your skin soft, unlike abrasive chemicals that can leave your hands red and rough. They are also safe to use in a household with children and pets. But what you may not realize is how they affect your energy consumption too. Chemicals can damage your plumbing systems and lead to buildups in the drains. Appliances that are plugged into your water system, such as the dishwasher or the washing machine, tend to consume more energy as a consequence. Additionally, waste particles get stuck on buildup formations inside your plumbing. Unfortunately, particles can then find their way inside your appliances, making them less energy efficient.
Using Houseplants as a Purifying Solution
Houseplants can transform a room. According to NASA experts, some houseplants can also help purify the air and remove harmful VOCs. In other words, green makes your home beautiful and cleaner. But they also reduce energy waste inside the household. Indeed, potted plants remove some of the toxins in the air. If you have an HVAC system, plants can decrease filter pressure by capturing fine particles. Therefore, your A/C unit can remain efficient for longer. Most households keep their air filter for too long, so it’s a good idea to introduce smart helpers inside your home.
Maximize Brightness
Bright rooms are inviting and comfortable. But north-facing rooms and some windowless spaces can be difficult to manage. The temperature feels cooler in a dark room for two reasons. Firstly, if you are using sensors, they are far away from a source of direct sunlight to register heat. Secondly, your mind automatically associates darkness with cold temperatures. But if you use smart tips to manipulate natural light, such as reflective surfaces, you can brighten your space and reduce negative temperature perceptions. The clever use of mirrors and bright paints could keep your energy consumption low and your home welcoming.
In conclusion, homeowners have more than one way to manage their electricity bills. Contrary to common belief, you can reduce your carbon footprint without compromising comfort, style, and lifestyle. In fact, reducing carbon gas emissions can significantly improve your home decor.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
5 Sure Signs You Need a Carpet Replacement
Designing a Living Room From Scratch
Brilliant Ideas to Make Your Home Office Better
How to Upgrade your Home Ready for Winter
4 Household Technologies that We Can’t Live Without
HVAC Systems Power Consumption
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Toodles,
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