Even though humans have tried to explore beyond earth to find a new living planet suitable for us, but as far we know, the planet earth is still the only planet that is suitable for human living. With this in mind, going green seems to be the logical option for the sake of both our planet earth and our wallet, every Singaporean interior designer would agree to this. For example, did you know that if your air conditioning is over 12 years old, the chance is, the new models available in the markets right now are likely greener (more energy efficient) and, therefore save you some money on your electricity bill?
Let’s take a look at other energy efficiency solutions that helps you save the green earth and your wallets:
Switch to Solar
It is true that Singapore may has limited space, but Singapore also has a lot of sun. Like the rest of south-east Asia, the development of solar power has been making good progresses. Consider solar roof as your energy source at home, while it is quite an investment, but the wonderful thing about solar roof is that the majority of the fees are one-off. You can just sit back and relax once everything is in place.
If it’s the initial costs that are preventing you from going green via solar roof, you don’t have to let it. Some new business models have been developing in Singapore and with the help of these service, you might just be able to go green with lower initial costs.
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For example, PacificLight Energy plans to provide solar power to your home by installing solar roof, which they own on your roof. If the solar generated energy is not enough, the company will provide gas generated power on top of it.
Or you can consider the SolarSpace programme from Sun Electric, which connects owners with solar roof space with customers that wish to use solar generated power.
Baby steps
Do not let this solar talk scare you away though, if all those just seem too far away from reality, you can always start small by looking at your light bulbs. Yes, light bulbs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) typically use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Saving you money and the green earth at the very same time!
Time your shower
Limit your shower to six minutes could save you a great deal of money from reduced water cost and the cost of heating it, while you’re at it, purchase a water-efficient shower-head to up your game.
Unplug now!
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Consumer electronics account for about 13% of home energy use, this might not seem much, but nothing is too small to reduce! Did you know that even when they’re not in used, appliances still drains a lot of energy when they’re plugged in? Unplug your devices when it’s fully charged or when not in use, this will save you a noticeable amount of money on your electricity bill. You could also use some help from green adapters that automatically cut off the power supply once your devices have enough power.
Go green, literally.
Provided that you have enough space and permission, consider getting plants around the house, with a little care, those plants can do wonderful thing to the air quality around the house and reduce heat to a certain degree. With enough greens and breezes around the house, you might just get to turn off your air conditioning from time to time.
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Check your home insulation system.
Cool air will flow out of poorly insulated walls and keep you hot inside, consult a professional or conduct a thorough research yourself to make sure you have a proper and effective insulation system. However, the walls aren’t the only thing that can help with your electricity bill, upgrade your windows to energy efficient windows, such as storm windows, can also help you save by keeping the cool air in.
Last but not least, don’t forget to switch it off!
One simple trick to save energy and makes your home more energy efficient is to switch off the powers when the devices are not in use. Do you need your laptop to stay on when you’re watching TV? Do you need all the lights in the house to be on even when you’re alone and reading this in your bed? The habit of switching off can save you a dramatic amount of money, and it is never too late to start today! You can ask an advice from your talented Singapore interior designer to help you accomplish an eco-friendly home solutions.
