Our planet always looks after us, so it’s time for us to start looking after it back. One of the ways we can do this is by looking at ways we can adapt our home using more eco-friendly alternatives. If you need help figuring out where to start, we recommend beginning with your heating and flooring, which can significantly affect energy efficiency and carbon footprint.
This guide will help you go green by providing all the information you need about eco-friendly heating and flooring options. Please keep reading to learn more, and start doing your part for our planet.
The importance of going green
You may have heard everyone talking about going green and wondered why it’s such a big deal and whether you should do the same. While it helps negate the effects of global warming and provide us with cleaner air, that’s not all it is about. It allows the planet, but it also helps you at the same time.
When you switch to more eco-friendly practices, you’re more likely to save money in the long run. For example, if you start switching off all your lights at night, you not only help conserve energy, but you’ll begin to see your monthly bills go down. Therefore, going green is a win-win situation for everyone.
Eco-friendly heating options
It’s hard to avoid turning your central heating on in winter. Therefore, you can consider some of these more eco-friendly options:
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is precisely how it sounds. It is a system installed below the floor’s surface and provides warmth starting below and radiating upwards. You can choose from two main types of systems: electric and hydronic. While electric is more eco-friendly than traditional radiators, hydronic systems are best for the environment.
Since the hydronic systems use little energy to run and pump warm water through pipes to keep you warm, you save a ton on your monthly bills. It also has many benefits, including a larger surface area of warmth and additional space in your home.
Solar heating
Solar heating is also an excellent green option if you live in an area with enough access to the sun that isn’t surrounded by large trees that might block it. This system works by using the sunlight to generate energy, which can then power your heating system. They are typically installed on your rooftop and work throughout the day.
These are particularly great for the environment as they use a renewable energy source that is much more sustainable than fossil fuels. They provide clean energy and warmth throughout the winter without affecting the environment too much or letting off any carbon emissions.
Geothermal heat pumps
An option that many people neglect when looking for more eco-friendly heating is geothermal heat pumps. These use the earth’s constant temperature beneath your home’s surface to provide the heating and cooling required. You need to have it installed, which involves putting in a network of pipes underground, which will then circulate a heat-transfer fluid when on.
These pumps are highly efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it. This means less energy consumption and lower bills. They’re also highly consistent and can provide you with not only heating but also cooling when they remove the heat from your home and move it to the ground.
Eco-friendly flooring options
Introducing better heating into your home is one step, but you can take things to the next level by opting for eco-friendly flooring. Here are some of the options you might want to consider:
Bamboo
Bamboo is a type of solid grass that grows within 3-5 years, meaning it is a highly renewable source for flooring compared to the more traditional hardwood materials, which can take decades to mature. It is harvested without killing the plant, so it continues to grow new shoots all the time.
Not only is bamboo sustainable and eco-friendly, but it’s also a solid and durable material for floors. It can take a large amount of foot traffic and is resistant to scratches and other marks. You can also choose the right bamboo flooring from various styles and finishes.
Cork
Cork is another wood-type flooring that rivals the less eco-friendly hardwood floors. This is because it comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which also naturally regrow after harvesting. It’s a renewable and eco-friendly source that doesn’t harm the natural ecosystem of the trees.
Cork has been known to be one of the most comfortable sustainable flooring options because it has a natural elasticity, which makes it easy on the bottoms of your feet. It also pairs well with underfloor heating systems because it has natural insulating properties that keep the warmth in your home and reduce energy costs.
Reclaimed wood
Last but not least, we have reclaimed wood. This flooring is crafted out of wood salvaged from old projects, such as buildings and barns, after demolition or renovation. You can end up with some premium timber that might have ended up in a landfill.
Reclaimed wood offers a stylish floor finish and is often preferred by people who want a more rustic aesthetic throughout their homes. Each plank of wood installed for your floors comes with its own story, as you might be able to see some of the previous nail holes or knots. It definitely adds character as well as sustainability to your property.
Final thoughts
When you’re on your journey to becoming more green and eco-friendly, you need to start somewhere, so why not start with your heating and flooring? There are so many options for you that can make a big difference to our planet. Use a trusted installation professional to get the most out of your new sustainable alternatives.
