Home Decorating Tips to Save Energy

Raising awareness about the fight to save energy is one of the largest quests for environmental scientists today. Their scientific contributions have helped inspire people to find new ways to conserve the planet’s power. An increasingly popular technique involves installing home decor that’s welcoming, as well as eco-friendly. From heating and plumbing methods to trendy outer appearances, homeowners are becoming more concerned with designing their property to fit the needs of the environment. Here’s some steps you can take to maximize your home’s comfort level and save money, as well as save considerable amounts of energy.

Windows

One of the primary approaches to conserving more energy in the home is to identify the appropriate kinds of windows to possess. Several factors play into a window’s energy efficiency, such as its design, glass and installation. It’s important to keep all of this in mind as you decorate your space.

When selecting openings, be sure to initially consider what kind of frame you need. There’s a large host of materials that are available, such as vinyl, wood, aluminum, and wood clad.  Each one has their advantages and disadvantages. However, vinyl is typically consider the best of all products, at least when it comes to energy efficiency. These frames provide decent insulated glass, as well as tight construction that protects against air leakage. Additionally, vinyl frames require less upkeep than wood and aluminum frames which make them the least expensive.

You also want the right glass. Many experienced designers, consultants and eco-conscious bloggers suggest double-paned windows over those with single panes because they’re able to withstand inclement weather conditions, as well as heat and intense UV rays. To ensure your unit’s efficiency value is up to par, check for the window manufacturer’s label on them that displays the level of solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-value. The lower the rating, the better the window.

Lastly, design matters. The best types of contemporary features include picture windows, double-hung windows, and casement windows. Traditional homemakers tend to prefer double-hung windows because they’re the easiest to operate (i.e. the bottom slides up to open the unit). Picture windows, on the other hand, are generally chosen because of their aesthetic. Although they don’t open, the glass-filled interiors and glass choice help make these units energy efficient.

The correct air sealing and insulation method are a plus when it comes to enhancing the green qualities in your home. Beware of contractors who heavily rely on sealants and messy foams to install windows, as this kind of equipment isn’t waterproof and can result in accumulated damage later. For the best outcome, take pride in waterproofing practices that are performed before it’s time to install windows.

Flooring

Being knowledgeable about the appropriate type of flooring also benefits eco-friendly occupants. There’s several kinds to consider, such as cork and eucalyptus flooring. Cork is a natural and renewable material that’s retrieved from cork oak trees. The flooring is mold-resistant and can sustain gas and liquid spills. It’s also resistant to cracks, mold, termites, and fire which makes it an outstandingly durable wood that possesses a lifespan of 40 years. Additionally, cork flooring holds heat really well, as well as sound. It’s available in several different shades and sizes and bears little negative effects on the environment. Even cork’s harvesting season is ecologically healthy.

Other green-conscious homeowners prefer adding eucalyptus flooring. This material has an attractive mahogany look with renewable wood that’s sturdy enough to resist unyielding to dents and scratches. Many people are also drawn to its price, as it’s less expensive than oak and other traditional flooring choices.

Furnishings

Both modern and classical eco-friendly furniture is easy to find. Household property that’s made from sustainable wood, abaca, bamboo, jute fiber, cogon grass, willow trees, seagrass, rattan, and wicker are most common. Furniture manufacturers create a large array of items with these featured materials, such as beds, chairs, ottomans, desks, tables, chests, bookcases, laundry baskets, lamps, storage bins, and children’s playroom furniture. Besides being green-conscious, these movables often have eclectic shapes and colors that can make your home look like one of a kind.

Decorative Items

You also have the option to get creative with the environmentally friendly knick-knacks that help embellish your surroundings. Such decorative items may include place mats made from woven cloth, bamboo window shades, candle holders made from banana leaves, or curtains that possess coconut products. Other additions that can be made green from a variety of products are magazine racks, vases, trays, carpets, door mats, and mirror or picture frames.

Basement Finishing System

Those with basements undoubtedly have an extra priority. It’s not wise to promote green remodeling for the upper half of the household and then leave the lower portion untouched. Fortunately, many designers are knowledgeable about how to turn basements into energy-efficient areas as well. Common products include green dehumidifiers, fluorescent lighting, mineral fiber ceiling tiles, and systems with high R-Insulation ratings.

Heating and Plumbing

Many people aren’t aware that a household’s plumbing and heating system can contain reliable products that are good for the planet. Many manufacturing companies that sell plumbing supplies, thermostatic radiator valves, pipe insulation products and fittings, dryer vents, and heating system fixtures are enthusiastic about ensuring their materials are eco-friendly, as well as durable.

The huge range of green UK plumbing parts and related items that suppliers provide help keep existing customers satisfied and attract new environmentally conscious homeowners. Several companies even offer surveys to prospective clients, addressing what products that can be converted to systems that are conducive to the atmosphere.

Contractors from these kinds of businesses make visits to assess what services need to be rendered. Afterward, they make adjustments and install green, reliable products. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, high efficiency toilets and heating systems, pipe retrofits, tankless on-demand water heaters, and glazed trapways. Some companies train contractors to install hotwater recirculation systems which contain built-in timer and line chords and enable users to operate sinks operate sinks without the use of electricity.

Sources

HGTV. (2012).

Lyndsey Ellis is a freelance writer, specializing in eco-concious topics, who has partnered with Article Writing Services to bring quality content to blogs and websites, like Masters in Environmental Science. You can find her work on numerous blogs, including those on Environmental Blogs.