The green factor has been the stuff now and then. This is the part two of the article published two days ago. This time it is about solar power, lighting and electricity. We must remind you: It is good for you and for the surroundings.
Here we give you some definitive guide to make it real. Do not stop at only the first step. Go on with the second idea of the green home here. Previous section was about the basic stuffs, but here we give you the real “green” technology. It will make you proud as the environment hero!
1. Maximise natural lighting in your home
With the proper use of sunlight, turning on artificial lights during the day is unnecessary. You can maximise the sunlight that enters your home by Installing a light shelf. This can also be used to distribute light in the room as you like — for example, reflecting the light deeper into the space. If you are building a new home, ensure natural light is utilised by orientating your home and windows to maximise the northern aspect.
2. Install solar panels
While initially this is a pricier option, adding solar panels to the roof of your home can save money and reduce your carbon footprint in the long run. Solar panels use the sun’s natural resources to create energy. They can come in the form of solar thermal collectors that help the sun’s energy heat water, which in turn can generate your hot water or even your electricity. Solar panels are a great way to use the sun’s natural energy to “green” your home.
3. Make the switch to low-energy lighting
Lighting contributes to a major percentage of energy usage in homes. It is not uncommon to see lights left on in rooms that are not being used. There are two types of energy-efficient lighting options to choose from: fluorescent lamps — either old-style tubes or newer compact fluoros (CFLs) – and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
CFLs have a lamp life up to eight times longer than an incandescent bulb and are ideal for general room lighting. Currently LEDs are best suited to areas where the lighting level requirement is not too high, but technology is constantly improving and soon LEDs will be ready for general lighting use.
When it comes to choosing the lighting for your home, first assess your lighting requirements. This assessment should be task-based. For example, the lighting requirements in your study will be higher than the lighting requirements in the TV room as the study requires high concentration levels, whereas most movies are watched in the dark. The same is said for areas that are only used during the day and utilise natural lighting, such as a conservatory.
4. Use a Smart meter
Smart meters indicate electricity usage and its cost. They provide immediate and detailed information, allowing consumers to see how much energy appliances use and pinpoint where energy consumption can be reduced.
Smart meters can be obtained by asking your local government agent or electric provider. Most smart meter systems include an indoor display as well as personal computer connectivity so you can access your energy usage information easily and find out which appliances you can turn off to reduce your energy consumption.
By the way, the stunning solar powered home featured here is a creation from Solar Solutions’ newest showpiece, epitomising energy-efficient design without compromising style. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Australia, this secluded property boasts captivating views and is surrounded by an abundance of native vegetation. Designed to suit the site and client’s brief, this cleverly zoned, light- filled home provides year-round comfort. It exemplifies energy-efficient design with an emphasis on reflecting and respecting the natural environment and site conditions. The colours and materials selected for the home complement the surrounding area, resulting in an unobtrusive design that flows seamlessly into the landscape. This magnificent home is a leading example of the possibilities of the current six star requirements.
This post might seems boring to some of you it is all about electricity electricity and electricity. But actually this is the best improvement for green! imagine how many coals, gas, oil or even nuclear power that you have saved from the bill and the planet? This is no longer short term game, but for the future of your kids