Insulation
A home which uses energy inefficiently can be costly over time and is usually a result of either flawed electrical, heating or air-conditioning systems or just poor insulation. Insulation is what traps warmth inside a home, so thin or lack of insulation can cool a place more rapidly than normal. The same applies if you are facing really hot weather conditions, so good insulation could be a valuable selling point of a dwelling when it's time to move on.
Flooring
When it's time to replace your floors, why not go for sustainable products, such as cork or recycled-content carpets. Material engineers are constantly working on new solutions that benefit the environment and produce great both aesthetic and practical results, giving you an ever growing variety to choose from.
Solar water heater
A traditional electrical water heater accounts for approximately 14% to 25% of the energy consumption of a home. Installing a solar water heater, especially in sunny locations (such as Spain), can make a huge difference to the power company bill.
Paint
Paint with high concentration in VOCs (volatile organic compound) can be harmful not only to the environment but also to your health. The good news is that more and more manufacturers nowadays offer paints based in aqueous solvents.
Lighting
The right light in a room can really improve its appeal, but you should think twice before you settle for the standard incandescent lamps. Choosing compact fluorescent light bulbs is a smart and relatively easy way to reduce household energy consumption. They need 3 to 4 times less energy and last between 8 to 15 times longer than traditional bulbs as their lifespan ranges from 6000 to 15000 h whereas incandescent lamps are manufactured with a lifespan of 750 to 1000 h. Of course you can always install a dimmer switch that will enable you to control the brightness of your lamps and the electricity you use.
Water consumption
The installation of aerators can very easily cut your annual water consumption by more than half, while keeping the forceful flow of water at the toilets, showerheads and faucets everybody loves. This very inexpensive investment will also reduce your electricity bill because less water needs to be heated.
Photovoltaic panels
Householders who are seeking to reduce the monthly expenses and carbon emissions at the same time should look into photovoltaic panels (PV). They are usually attached to a roof or wall and convert sunlight into electricity. The produced power can be used to cover house needs or be transmitted to the electricity grid.
Electrical appliances
Replace your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and all your electric appliances in general, with new technology energy-efficient ones. You will discover that such a move will have a huge impact on your home's energy consumption as the new type appliances not only use 40% less energy but also come with smart power management systems turning idle appliances off after some time or putting them on low-energy mode
