As the second half of 2017 gets underway, we find ourselves once again wondering where the year has gone, and beginning to plan how we’re going to spend our autumn and Christmas. The last several years in Britain have seen an increase in the number of extreme weather events and the consensus is strengthening that these are a result of global warming, something that is likely to continue and will become more severe as the effects of climate change grow in scale. The term global warming is beginning to give way to the term climate change.
Many climate scientists prefer this term because the effects of human induced climate change are not limited to heat waves or increased temperatures. Many of the adverse weather events predicted by our current models of climate change involve much colder winters. For places that aren’t used to these extreme temperatures, the infrastructure required to respond to them will be lacking. Fortunately, by following some simple tips and tricks, you can keep your home warm this winter without the big environmental footprint.
Eco-Friendly Insulation
Insulation is the key to effectively heating your home and minimising wasted energy, and consequently money. The function of insulation is to trap heat within the home; think of your house as holding billions and billions of atoms, which comprise the air that we breathe and that which surrounds us. When the temperature increases, the atoms in the air begin whizzing around faster, this is essentially what the temperature of an object is; the speed with which the atoms that comprise it are moving.
If we keep the windows and doors in our home closed then the atoms will collide with them and remain in the house. If we open a window, some of those fast-moving atoms will zoom out the windows, representing a loss of heat. Even with doors and windows closed, there will always be small gaps, some microscopic, and it is these losses that insulation aims to minimise.
There are several green insulation options. The most popular type of insulation is sheep’s wool, which is an effective and affordable option.
Use Radiators Efficiently
The better your insulation, the longer any heat generated will remain in the home. Consequently, with better insulation, you need not have your radiator on for as long. If your radiator is old and ineffective then consider buying a new one from Warm Rooms.
Solar Power
Solar panels, which allow homeowners to generate some of their own energy, are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient. Investing in solar power technology is, therefore, a smart move for those looking to minimise their carbon footprint and future proof their homes.
Keeping our homes heated during the winter months without spending a fortune on energy and growing our carbon footprint is one of the many practical challenges that highlight the importance of meeting our energy requirements while limiting our environmental impact. As climate change marches on, it is now more important than ever that we all pay close attention to how much energy we use and where it comes from.
