Sustainability is more than just what’s good for the planet. It’s what’s good for your wallet, too. A sustainable, slow life can help you save money and get more out of your every day in more ways than one. Some tips in this list are going to be great for the budget-conscious, while others will help you get even more comfort and function out of your home. With such a range of options, you’ll be able to find tips that will help you regardless of the type of property you live in in Kent. From listed homes to small flats, these are the best ways to make your home more sustainable while simultaneously getting more enjoyment out of it:
Functional Upgrades
Some upgrades aren’t going to be the absolute best for the planet, but are essential to your quality of life. Technically not heating or cooling your home will be better for the planet, but not doing these things can also severely impact your health and wellbeing and are therefore essential to your home. What you can do instead to make these essential systems more eco-friendly is to consider two things: energy efficiency and output efficiency.
You’ll want a solution that can heat or cool your home as quickly and efficiently as possible and at the best rate. For best results, pair your heating and cooling systems with a smart home system so that your equipment only turns on when it needs to so you can stay warm or cool for less.
Sometimes this will mean upgrading your current setup. If, for example, you are currently using multiple fans to ineffectively cool you during a heat wave or a mobile air conditioning unit, it’s time to upgrade to a proper air conditioning unit. Don’t assume that you can’t get one, either. Heat is rising everywhere, which means that areas like Kent are experiencing unprecedented heat waves every summer – and they’re only going to get worse. They’ll either be hotter, more frequent or will last longer. If you’re too hot, you can’t function properly, but you don’t need to sit next to a small air conditioning unit to stay cool.
Those in flats, or in Grade II listed homes, for example, can invest in air conditioning without external unit. These systems place the condensing unit inside your home (usually in a cupboard) and then drain out the built-up water down your drain. They also come with a AAA energy rating, making them an efficient and effective way to stay cool during those peak-hot heat waves.
To use these units more sustainably, keep them for when opening a window isn’t enough. You can also use them periodically. For example, you can turn the air conditioning on or set it so that it turns on for a short period every hour or two hours through the night, so you can stay cool enough to get a deep night’s rest.
As for heating, you have a few options. The first is to check and ensure that the boiler you currently have fits your needs. You can upgrade the boiler to a more energy-efficient one, or alternatively, see about solar water heaters.
When it comes to heating you up, your approach will make the biggest difference. The cheapest and most sustainable way to stay warm in winter is to simply wear more layers, invest in some cozy slippers, and bundle up under blankets while setting your heating. It only turns on if your interior drops below 18°C.
Another way you can stay warm is to buy an electric heater. These heaters are far more cost-effective to run since they’re only heating up you and not the air itself. You can get an electric blanket for the bed, or the couch.
Insulation Upgrades
Insulation is key when it comes to getting the most out of your heating and cooling investments. If your home doesn’t let as much heat or cool air out, you can use less energy to keep it at the right temperature. While upgrading your insulation is always going to be the most effective method, it’s not available for everyone. Those in flats and listed buildings may find better insulation a challenge, but there are some great low-cost options to consider, too.
The first is to use rugs. If you have limits in terms of adding carpet down or just don’t like carpet in general, rugs are a great way to insulate your property and improve the under-foot feeling. High-pile rugs, in particular, will provide the best insulation and heat retention, while low-pile rugs can be a better fit for summer months.
Tapestries are also a great way to insulate your property. They were used in castles and other stone buildings in the past not only to decorate but also to insulate the walls. Are tapestries as efficient as proper insulation? No, but they can be a great option for those that are unable to improve their insulation in their outside-facing walls for one reason or another.
Insulating curtains are another great option. These will be very thick and can usually attach to the wall (with Velcro, for example) so that air flow gets cut off as much as possible. Invest in these curtains for your windows and your doors to help minimize the draft until you can upgrade them outright.
Slow Living
When it comes to sustainability, slow living is your best bet. It’s how you can not only reduce your utilities. It’s where you can save money and improve your wellbeing. There’s peace and wellness to be found in doing things on your own since it connects you to the process.
A few of the ways you can add slow living to your home include:
1. Growing Food
You can grow food in almost any home. If you have a garden, then, of course, growing your own produce will be more effective than living in a flat. Even in a flat, you can still grow herbs successfully and bring that process of growing and the benefits of fresh ingredients to your home.
2. Mending
Learn how to mend. This applies to everything from a crack in the wall to a hole in your socks. Mending is a great way to get more value out of everything you own while helping you save and prolong the life of items so that they don’t just end up in landfills.
3. Shopping Second-Hand
Want to improve your décor and make more sustainable buying decisions? Shop secondhand. While textiles will need to be washed (or, in the case of furniture, professionally cleaned or even re-upholstered), any other material that can effectively be washed down is a great addition to the home. Old wood pieces, in particular, are great investments since they’re long-lasting, look great, and add essential character to your home. Shopping secondhand can also be great for your appliances, from a coffee machine to even a dishwasher.
Before you buy anything electronic, however, know what to look for and always get it tested by an electrician so that you know it’s safe. For manual appliances, like a turn-crank coffee grinder, know that you’re in the clear as long as it works and there are no broken parts. There are ways to get the rust off and get everything oiled so that it works like a dream, and you can benefit from a quality, budget-friendly option that lets you avoid landfill all at once.
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