How to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable

Making your home more energy-efficient and sustainable is a great way to save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve the comfort and health of your home. There are many things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient, from simple changes to your daily habits to more significant investments in new appliances and systems.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Improve insulation -?this is one of the most important things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient. Insulation helps to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. You can insulate your attic, walls, and floors;
• Upgrade your windows and doors - old, draughty windows and doors can let a lot of heat and air escape from your home. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can make a big difference in your energy bills;
• Seal air leaks -?air leaks can occur around windows, doors, and other openings in your home. Sealing these air leaks can help to keep your home more energy-efficient. You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks;
• Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting - when choosing appliances and lighting for your home, look for Energy Star-certified products. These products are designed to use less energy than standard appliances and lighting;

• Rooftop rainwater harvesting - in rooftop harvesting, the roof becomes the catchment area, and the collected water is diverted into a storage tank.?Rainwater is a relatively clean and absolutely free source of water. It can be used to water your lawn and garden or to wash your car. Collecting rainwater can help to reduce your water bill and your impact on the environment;
• Install solar panels -?solar panels can generate electricity from the sun, which can save on your electricity bills and help to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels;
• Plant trees - trees can help shade your home in the summer and block the wind in the winter, which can help to reduce your usage of home heating and cooling appliances, resulting in lower energy consumption; and/or
• Use recycled materials -?when renovating or remodelling your home, try to use recycled materials whenever possible. This can help to reduce your environmental impact. BCI a rising brand name in the real estate industry, offers a unique model called RCT(rapid construction technology) for constructing affordable housing using recycled material with close to zero wastage of building materials.

In addition to the above tips, there are many other things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable. Here are a few more ideas:

• Unplug electronic equipment when you're not using it.?Even when turned off electronic equipment may continue to use power. Unplugging electronic equipment when not in use can help to reduce your energy consumption;
• Take shorter showers.?Showers account for a significant portion of household water use. Taking shorter showers can help to reduce your water bill and your environmental impact;
• Air-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.?Clothes dryers use a lot of energy. Air-drying your clothes is a more energy-efficient way to dry your clothes;
• Compost your food scraps.?Composting is a great way to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden; and/or
• Buy local and seasonal food.?Eating local and seasonal food helps to reduce the environmental impact of your diet.

By following these tips, you can make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable. This is good for you, for your wallet, and the environment.