Ways to make your home more sustainable

Benefits of creating a more sustainable home

From a real estate perspective, it is added details like sustainable improvements that can help your property stand out to potential buyers. With the majority of us looking for ways to save on living and household expenses (especially with COVID-19 and the trend to work from home), adding sustainable improvements and living a more sustainable lifestyle won’t just improve the environment. More often than not it will save you dollars, and dependent on the level of features may improve the sale price of your property.

What’s more, the opportunities are endless, and not all improvements have to cost the earth. Even simple behavioural changes, whilst not having an effect on your future sale price, can still help you save potentially hundreds of dollars per year, if not more.

For those looking to create a more sustainable home, energy efficiency and water consumption is a great place to start as they will potentially add value to your property and can have a massive impact on your bottom line.

Energy efficiency upgrades

For those willing to spend a little more and make substantial changes to their property, adding solar panels can be an extremely worthwhile investment. Whilst the initial outlay can be high, the long term benefits far outweigh the upfront cost. Not only will solar power save you hundreds, if not more each year, it is also extremely energy efficient, low maintenance and environmentally friendly, and is one addition that can be seen as highly advantageous by buyers. For those interested in learning more, the NSW energy saver website is a great place to start.

Other improvements you can look at making include upgrading ceiling and wall insulation, installing double glazed windows, rainwater tanks, heavy curtains or blinds and LED lighting. LED lighting is up to 80% more efficient than traditional fluorescent or incandescent lighting. While it may seem like a simple change, it is a more affordable option that will reduce your electricity bills, have a positive effect on the environment and be seen as a benefit by future buyers.

The reality is the higher your home rating is on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), the less amount you and subsequent owners will pay for power. Homes with a higher energy rating will not only save you money today but have the added benefit of potentially boosting your future sale price.

Lower cost changes

For lower cost options making sure any open vents, gaps in doors, flooring, windows and other areas such as fireplaces are sealed properly to prevent air escaping can go a long way. You could also look at having our existing appliances tested to ensure they are not draining excess power. When looking at heating and cooling systems and other household appliances look for energy efficient options, as these all impact your energy rating and running costs. Be sure to set your air conditioning thermostats at reasonable levels as well, to avoid extra energy consumption. It is recommended to set your thermostat to 21 degrees in winter and 23 degrees in summer.

Simply improving insulation, using heating and cooling correctly and sealing any gaps could cut hundreds from your energy costs and will also reduce environmental emissions.

Behavioural changes

If upfront costs or new appliances isn’t an option, those looking to live a more Eco-friendly lifestyle can look at making simple behavioural changes.

Look to switch off lights when you leave a room and minimise the amount of lighting used at any one time. Switching off appliances at the power source when not in use will also reduce energy consumption. Keep curtains and doors closed during the summer months to keep inside cool and during winter encourage the warmth of the sun inside during the day and close it up at night to keep your home warm. When washing clothing opt for cold washing and shorter machine cycles where possible. Be sure not to over work appliances such as heating and cooling systems and fridges and freezers. Setting the thermostats to realistic temperatures will prevent excess electricity usage.

With the an increase in the number of homeowners looking for ways to live more sustainably, now is an opportune time to look at cost effective strategies to reduce household power bills and add potential future value to your property. If you would like read more on the subject of sustainable housing, the ‘Your home’ government website contains some great information.