Over the past few years, over 10,000 sustainable residential blocks have been constructed by the Housing and Residential Board, states a report written by the same organization. Since 2008, construction of eco-friendly buildings has been mandatory to keep up with their vision of being the world greenest city. From exotic fancy hotels to simple, humble homes, the Singapore government has been promoting green spaces more regularly. One area that has increasingly drawn attention is the conservation of energy in Singapore homes as a sustainable step towards preserving the ecosystem.
Here are some smart, eco-friendly heating tips that you can implement in your home:
Use Smart Thermostat Systems in HVAC Design
Installing Programmable thermostats in your simple HVAC (Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioner) design can save a lot of energy and expenses. This technology automatically turns off or on the heating and air conditioning when the interior temperature passes a certain limit. It can also be programmed to turn off the systems down during the night or during those days you’re not around in the house. In addition to that, you can split your home into sectors. This way, you can regulate the usage of heat and your air conditioner in different zones around the house. For instance, you won’t be wasting valuable energy trying to cool down your basement or attic when there is no one there. This way, you maximize comfort, convenience and save energy in your house.
Positioning Your House to Maximize Passive Solar Heat
Orienting your home well is the best way to efficiently use natural energy, i.e. positioning your home to maximize passive solar heat. This is all about allowing the sun’s heat through your south-facing windows. To achieve this, homes are now being designed with large windows that face within 30 degrees of the true south. You should note that planting deciduous trees in front of your south-facing windows will help to reduce sunlight hence preventing your home from heating up. Passive heat can also increase due to natural light from the sun. By reducing the need for costly artificial light, you can further reduce your energy bills.
Design a Compact Layout
Often overlooked but one of the easiest ways to minimize energy loss is the architectural design of the house. Having a home that has less surface area can help reduce interior heat loss. Cubed, spherical and taller homes are often more efficient than spread out one-storied houses. Of course, the architectural design you choose depends on the local regulations and individual preference. Discuss with your architect on how best to design your dream home, while also taking into consideration ways to save up energy and attain sustainable living.
Insulate Your Home Properly
Studies show that up to 40% of the energy in buildings is lost due to air infiltration. Seal all the openings and perforations in your walls and roofs to keep warm air during cold seasons and hot air during summer. With proper insulation, you will lower the energy loss and decrease your monthly energy bills. One of the common and cheapest insulations is fiberglass. In addition to that, spray foams are recommended in sealing up air leakage in areas where fiberglass cannot. There are several types of energy-efficient insulations you can consider, and what is most suitable depends on the climate in your area.
Singapore calls itself the Garden City and its making good on its promise. As a savvy Singaporean, ensuring your home stays eco-friendly contributes to the national dream of being a green nation. Employing the tips above will ensure your sustainable home is more energy-efficient.
