There are many ways that you can transform your home into a more eco-friendly living space. These range from small changes – like trading your traditional light bulbs for low power light bulbs – to major changes, like installing a solar power system. The government offers rebates and credits for the installation of many of these products, as an acknowledgement to the great environmental benefits they provide.
Solar power for homes
Solar power for homes is a major way to make your home much more eco-friendly. Solar power options include solar panels for your home electricity needs and solar hot water systems. Both of these options will greatly reduce the impact of household greenhouse gas emissions and save a lot of money on energy bills.
Energy efficient light bulbs
Energy efficient light bulbs are one of the simplest ways to save energy and make your home more eco-friendly. Low power bulbs, like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and LEDs use significantly less power than traditional bulbs. They last longer than a traditional bulb and will save you money over time. An LED bulb uses 90% less power than a standard halogen down light. Energy saving light bulbs are an easy and affordable way to transform your home into a greener living space.
Double glazing windows
Windows can be the largest source of heat loss or heat gain in the household. Double glazing is an effective technique that prevents heated and cooled air from escaping through your windows, thus allowing you to turn down the heat or a/c, which helps the environment and your wallet! The double glazing product Magnetite has great thermal capabilities and can reduce up to 70% of the heat gained through windows. This is an example of a double glazing film product, so it is much cheaper and easier than installing entirely new windows.
Rainwater tanks
A rainwater tank is used to collect and store rainwater and runoff, usually coming from rooftops via rain gutters. These rainwater tanks are a great way to help the environment at home by saving water. The stored water has many uses, such as: watering gardens, agriculture, washing cars, flushing toilets, in washing machines, and even for drinking when properly filtered. A small scale rain barrel for gardening and some household use is very inexpensive, while it may cost more if you wish it to be connected with your indoor plumbing system for use in toilets and washing machines.
For more information on these services, as provided by Go Green, click here.