From coffee cups to cleaning products, it has never been easier to make sustainable choices in our everyday lives. As we become more conscious about what products we use or how we start our mornings, we should also keep in mind the amount of energy our home uses every day.

Australia’s Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) has backed this by increasing the minimum home energy efficiency standards to seven stars as of 2023. Homes that meet this standard are expected to pay on average $1000 less per year for bills – an enticing thought for many people as the cost of living continues to rise.

“Whether you’re passionate about living more sustainably or simply want to cut the cost of your bills each month, there are a few changes you can make to ensure your home is more energy efficient,” founder at Sustainable Homes Melbourne, Simon Clark said.

Keep your home airtight and insulated

“If the windows, walls, and doors in your home aren’t insulated and sealed airtight, you will inevitably use more energy trying to regulate the temperature inside,” Simon said.

“Airtight sealing ensures that cold air or heat can’t escape or enter your home, while proper insulation will help to retain a comfortable temperature and reduce the need for heating or cooling technology.”

Just 5 per cent of gaps in your insulation can cause up to a 50 per cent reduction in your home’s energy efficiency, making it one of the most fundamental aspects of a sustainable household. By ensuring that your home is both airtight and insulated, you can easily reduce your bills and minimise the amount of energy that is required.

Prioritise passive solar design

When it comes to building an energy-efficient home, one design does not fit all. Most homes have a wealth of natural energy available to them – such as sun, shade, and wind flow – but stock-standard designs don’t allow for these resources to be used to their full potential.

Passive solar design is the process of designing the orientation of your home to make the most of its unique environmental factors so less energy is required day-to-day.

“Passive heating and cooling are two of the most powerful factors to consider when designing a new build. Positioning the most frequently used rooms in areas that receive the most sunlight can reduce the need for artificial lighting or heating, while designing with natural airflow in mind can provide sustainable ventilation and cooling for your home in the warmer months,” Simon said.

Don’t overlook the efficiency of windows

If you love the idea of brightening your home with big windows, installing double or triple-glazed designs is essential. Glazed windows will insulate your home from outside temperatures and will ensure that internal temperatures aren’t transferred outside as easily. This is important for homes that have large windows directly facing the sun, as it means you can enjoy the natural lighting and warmth without being exposed to extreme temperatures from outside.

this article was written by & originally appeared on realestateview.com.au