Home Interior Design

Who is not concerned by ever increasing energy costs? Here are just some ideas of what you might be able to do to make your house more cost and energy efficient:

Keeping the roof in great repair
Installing insulation in walls, floors, and attics
Reducing air infiltration
Reducing air pressure imbalances
Sealing and repairing ducts
Cleaning and vacuuming
Regular servicing of heating and cooling units
Installing energy efficient appliances (removing older inefficient ones)

These actions help to effectively do TWO things:

- Cut home energy consumption
- Reduce energy bills.

Regardless of whether you are motivated by the looming energy crisis and ever-rising costs of energy or more personal reasons, convictions or incentive, achieving cost and energy efficient homes (aside from building new – not an option for all of us!), are small changes, adjustment, repairs and installations, maintenance and adaptability, to save dollars and energy effectively!

There are ways to incorporate alternative energy sources and technologies in and around your home.

Here are some of the newer features custom-built into properties, optimizing cost-effectiveness of architectural designs. If you are carrying out a renovation consider your options carefully, like skylights, new windows, roof etc.

- Design, open-plan, lots of windows and glass for better air circulation, natural light (less need and demand for light, electricity and energy).
- Sealed Double Glazed Glass windows with thermal insulation to keep drafts and chill out, cool in hotter climates and months.
- Insulation that will improve in-door living conditions, comfort and reduce heating/cooling costs year-round.
- Sturdy and insulated walls, floors, moisture resistant,
- Low-maintenance quality roofing and solar options.

cost/low-cost steps you can take to save energy

Water-heater temperature: Especially if you have kids in the home, turn the warmer setting down somewhat to the recommended 120 degrees F (safe and saves money!).

Cover water-beds as they will be insulated that way.

All major appliances have some energy settings (dishwasher, refrigerators, washing machines) – use them.

Use compact fluorescents (CFLs) and low energy bulb replacements to cut down on electricity consumption and waste.

Upgrade old energy-guzzlers in your house (dishwasher, refrigerators, stove, furnace, A/C and others). Look for the energy efficient symbols and endorsements.

Clean or replace heat-pump filters,furnace and air conditioner.

Water-heater blanket, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators to cut consumption and waste.

Seal, caulk and repair all leaks, holes and drafts (windows, doors, walls, floors, corners, cracks and crevices, garage, basement etc.)

Heating and cooling systems, duct work inspected, repaired and/or replaced as applicable.

Track and check your consumption/waste. You will or might be pleasantly surprised at what you will typically find. Go back 6 months to one year and look at your bills. Split them into what you payfor fuel/gas and electricity, utilities water/sewage)
See where and when, why the most/highest bills/costs are and try to find ways to cut down, save and decrease consumption during those times.

Check all insulation, also on hot water pipes and ducts, through unheated areas especially.
Air-leaks and drafts, gaps around chimneys, recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind closets and cupboards.

Use your thermostat to turn temperature up/down a degree or two when it matters most (at night) to be more efficient and aware. Before you know it this will turn into second nature and some great new habits.

Educate and empower yourself, your kids, your family and friends. Spread the word about cost and energy savings, raise awareness, advocate and appreciate the contribution(s) you are making, no matter how large or small you might think them to be.

And another way to reduce costs is to do your own tiling projects. Discover more
how to tile
how to lay tile
laying ceramic tile