With the droughts, fires and floods that have been affecting wide swathes of South Africa, it’s becoming more and more difficult to deny the effects that climate change is having on our nation and our way of life. “Going green” is no longer just trendy, it’s vital for the protection of our future, and every little bit we can do to reduce our impact on our environment is one step closer to solving the problem.
“A lot of homeowners assume that reducing their impact on the environment has to be either very difficult or very expensive,” says Tony Clarke, Managing Director of the Rawson Property Group. “That may be true if you want to go completely off-grid, or retrofit sophisticated energy- and water-saving infrastructure, but you can also make a surprisingly big difference by introducing just a few of these simple, energy-efficient features and habits in your home.”
Low energy lighting
Lighting, particularly in winter, can make up a significant proportion of home energy costs, but modern technology gives homeowners plenty of options to cut back on this power consumption.
“LED and compact fluorescent light bulbs use dramatically less power than other lamp types,” says Clarke. “They are still a bit more expensive to buy than incandescent and halogen bulbs – although prices are slowly dropping – but they also last much longer and cost less to use, so they’re good value for money.”
New build tip: Ask your electrician to fit LED lamps throughout your home. The additional cost shouldn’t add too much to your building expenses, and you’ll be able to ensure all your dimmer modules and other accessories are LED-compatible.
Curtain control
You may not think of your curtains and blinds as energy-saving features, but when it comes to keeping your home warm or cool, they are one of your most effective assets.
“Curtains aren’t just there to stop nosy neighbours, or block the moonlight so you can sleep,” says Clarke. “They also give you control over the amount of sunlight entering your home during the day and the amount of heat you lose through the glass at night. In summer, it’s a good idea to draw the curtains on the sunniest side of your home to prevent the build-up of heat indoors. In winter, leave those shades wide open to make the most of the warmth on sunny days, and close them again as soon as the sun goes down to trap that heat inside.”
If you don’t want to block all your views during daylight hours, there are also sun-reducing films that can be applied to the glass itself. For an even better – albeit more expensive – option, consider investing in double glazing for the ultimate in temperature control.
New build tip: New homes should always be built facing north whenever possible. This maximises the sun in winter and minimises it in summer to keep a comfortable interior temperature all year round. In situations where this isn’t practical, deep eaves can help minimise direct sunlight on east and west faces. Double glazing is also a very popular feature with buyers, and can increase the resale value of your home.
Ceiling Insulation
It’s no good soaking up the sun in winter if all that natural heat is just going to disappear. Good insulation will help maintain your indoor temperature, and reduce the effect of hot or cold weather outdoors.
“The most common types of ceiling insulation are mineral- or polyester-fibre sheets like Aerolite and Isotherm, and blown cellulose fibre like Eco-Insulation,” says Clarke. “There are also innovative alternatives that go directly onto roof sheets and inside wall cavities, and even DIY strips that help insulate windows and doors by sealing gaps in and around frames.”
New build tip: New houses are required by law to have adequate insulation. Make sure you check your municipality’s requirements, as the legislated thermal resistance values vary from province to province.
Solar Water Heating
South Africa is lucky to have an average of over 2500 hours of sunshine every year, which makes us ideal for solar energy production. While solar photovoltaic (PV) systems tend to be expensive, solar water heaters are very accessible to the general public and offer homeowners an easy way to dramatically reduce energy consumption with minimal impact on day-to-day life.
“Solar water heaters are not only excellent energy savers, they also add value to your property, so if your geyser needs replacing, it’s worthwhile paying a little more for a solar option,” says Clarke.
New build tip: Solar-supplemented power can be more affordable when integrated into your home’s original electrical specifications. Consider getting a quote for solar PV cells and storage when budgeting for your new home.
Gas Cooking
Electric ovens and hobs are the third-highest energy consumers in most houses, exceeded only by air-conditioners and geysers.
“Installing a gas hob – or even a full gas stove – can make a huge difference to your electricity consumption,” says Clarke, “and can also add value to your home as many people prefer to cook on gas.”
New build tip: Gas installations are regulated for safety, and should be considered when planning your indoor and outdoor spaces. Make sure a compliant and convenient storage area is set aside for your gas bottles with easy access to and from your kitchen.
While energy efficiency is only one aspect of a truly eco-friendly home, power generation is a major source of carbon emissions in South Africa, and reducing consumption will go a long way towards a cleaner, greener SA.
For more information, email marketing@rawsonproperties.com or visit www.rawson.co.za for the latest market tips and industry news.
