For the modern high-end homeowner, sustainability is as important as luxury, which means the demand for eco-friendly energy solutions is at an all-time high. As we become increasingly conscious of our environmental impact, we’re looking for new ways to reduce our carbon footprints without compromising on the opulent touches in our homes that we love the most – and the good news is that these days, it’s easier than ever to tick both boxes at once.
The latest innovative technologies underpinning home energy solutions have made it possible to lower energy usage – and in turn, household bills – whilst promoting a healthier planet, and whilst some of them might require a significant initial investment, both you and the environment will be reaping the benefits for many years to come.
Here, we take a look at four of the top home energy solutions for sustainable modern living that you can splash out on now.
Solar power systems
Embracing natural sources of energy is the key to a more sustainable lifestyle, and solar energy has become an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners over recent years. Having solar panels installed on the roof of your property in order to harness the sun’s energy and in turn, generate the electricity needed to power your home is one of the simplest clean home energy measures you can take, and once you’ve got them, you’re pretty much self-sufficient.
The reduced reliance on fossil fuels they offer doesn’t just make for a healthier choice for the planet, but also means your monthly utility bills will be kept to a minimum, meaning the upfront cost of having your panels installed will quickly begin to give you a decent return on investment.
High-performance insulation
Of course, decreasing your home’s carbon footprint isn’t just about switching to a cleaner source of energy, but when it comes to heating your home, keeping the warmth in to maximise efficiency and minimise bills. Without the right insulation, heat can quickly seep out of the rooms you’re trying to increase the temperature in and is lost through the walls of your home, increasing bills and your overall energy expenditure.
High-performance insulation is key to ensure you don’t have to keep turning up and as well as keeping your home nice and cosy during the autumn and winter, will regulate the temperature in the summer to keep it from overheating. Modern materials like spray foam and cellulose are energy efficient choices that can make all the difference.
Energy-efficient appliances
If you’re looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle then think beyond just the source of energy used to power your home. The efficiency of the appliances within it are just as important, and can make a huge difference to the amount of energy utilised – so consider replacing your fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher and other appliances with more energy-efficient models.
The good news is that these days, many modern appliances are made with sustainability in mind, so it won’t be difficult to find what you’re looking for – and you won’t have to compromise on performance, because the top models on the market offer the best of both worlds. Look out for ENERGY STAR certified appliances, which meet strict efficiency guidelines.
Smart home technology
Smart home technology is becoming seen as an essential inclusion in modern luxury homes, and offers residents the chance to uplevel their lifestyle with an added layer of comfort and convenience whilst reducing their overall energy consumption.
Using artificial intelligence to learn your habits and understand your lifestyle, these clever systems make recommendations to help you make your home more efficient and if programmed to do so, will take it upon themselves to action them – such as turning off the radiators in rooms that aren’t being used or synchronising your heating with the times you arrive home in the evening and leave in the morning through a smart thermostat, or switching off lights that have been left on by mistake through smart home lighting systems.
As most smart home systems can be controlled via a smartphone app, you can tweak your settings whenever you see fit, even if you’re not at home at time, putting you well and truly in the driving seat when you want to take back control.
