In a world where sustainability is becoming more and more urgent, energy efficiency in our homes is taking center stage.
At Habitat Saudável, we believe that every step towards a more eco-friendly life is a step towards a brighter future.
We therefore share 10 essential tips for saving energy (and money) in your home:
Take advantage of your property’s orientation
If you build a house from scratch, you should take into account the optimization of sun exposure through bioclimatic/passive architecture techniques.
In this context, in an “ideal home, the bedrooms should be oriented to the east to receive the morning light. Living rooms, offices and kitchens should be oriented to the south or west; and less noble spaces such as garages, workshops, bathrooms and circulation areas should be located to the north.” in “A healthier home, a happier family”, by “Esfera dos Livros”.
Replace old equipment and appliances
Betting on the latest technology is betting on efficiency.
Equipment and appliances with a higher energy class not only consume less energy, but also offer better performance and durability.
Whenever possible, opt for models with an energy class of A++ or higher.
Use efficient light bulbs
Lighting your home is essential, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful.
LED or low-energy light bulbs can mean a substantial reduction in your energy consumption.
Remember that lighting accounts for around 10-15% of a home’s total electricity consumption.
Invest in better thermal insulation
A well-insulated home is synonymous with comfort and savings.
Investing in quality insulation for ceilings, walls and floors means less wasted heat in winter and less unwanted heat in summer.
Opt for efficient windows
Use carpentry/windows with high thermal efficiency to achieve better thermal-acoustic comfort and consequently lower energy bills.
Don’t leave equipment on stand-by
Many appliances continue to consume energy even when they are not in active use, but only in standby mode.
Switching these devices off completely or using a socket with a switch can cut this unnecessary consumption and reduce your electricity bill.
Avoid having lights or equipment on when they are not needed
Simple habits such as turning off the light when you leave a room or unplugging appliances that are not being used can make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption.
This practice not only saves energy, but also extends the life of your equipment.
During the day, whenever possible, favor natural lighting
Taking advantage of sunlight is an effective and natural way of lighting spaces without using electricity.
As well as being a free source of light, natural light can improve your well-being and the quality of your indoor environment.
Avoid opening the fridge unnecessarily and when you have to, be quick about it
Every time you open the fridge door, cold air escapes and the appliance has to work harder to restore the ideal temperature.
Opening the fridge only when necessary and closing it quickly helps maintain the appliance’s energy efficiency.
Use washing machines and dishwashers with the maximum load indicated by the manufacturer and on low-temperature programs
Washing machines are more efficient when they operate with a full load, thus avoiding unnecessary washing.
In addition, choosing low-temperature programs can reduce energy consumption, as heating the water is one of the main sources of energy use in these appliances.
By implementing these practices, we are not only increasing the energy efficiency of our home, but also contributing to a more sustainable planet.
Together, we can build a future where comfort and sustainability go hand in hand.
If you need help adapting your home, please contact us.