Written By: Henny Maherah
Over the past decade, electricity consumption in Singapore’s household has steadily
increased by an estimate of 17% . Not only does this mean higher bills, higher energy consumption has a negative impact on the environment.
Why not buck the trend and start making smart decisions for your home? Here are some ways you can create an energy-saving and eco-friendly home.
3 Effective Tips for an Energy-Saving Smart Home
1. Save on lighting and cooling costs with these smart changes
Making your home more energy-efficient can be as simple as switching your light bulbs. The average monthly utility bill in Singapore for a
4-room HDB flat is about S$140 , with electricity bills taking up a hefty majority. By simply making energy-efficient replacements, you can minimise energy consumption without having to compromise on your comfort or style.
LED lights
LED lights such as the
AEON product line from Sol Luminaire generate less heat, helping you save a whopping
80% on energy consumption with a traditional lightbulb of similar size. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional incandescent (60W) or fluorescent (12W) lights, a 9W LED light bulb will save you more money in the long run as it is
20 times more sustainable.
Air-conditioning units
In the humid climate in Singapore, air-conditioning is considered essential in every home. However, air-conditioning usage often takes us
36% of the total electrical bill in Singaporean households. When choosing an air-conditioning system for your home, opting for energy-efficient units such as the
Daikin iSmile Series can save you hundreds of dollars on your next bill.
Some air-conditioning units are integrated with energy-saving features like built-in infrared sensors that can detect human movement. When it reads zero human movement, the unit is pre-programmed to increase the room temperature to reduce energy output. This way, you won’t waste energy when no one is in a room.
Energy-Saving Windows and Blinds
Ultimately, the most effective way to reduce energy consumption is by reducing appliance usage. To place less reliance on cooling appliances such as fans and air-conditioning, a simple solution is opting for thermal or insulated curtains and windows. These blackout curtains keep out light and heat from entering your home. You can also control a room’s temperature by simply opening and shutting the curtains as needed.
As most of the heat enters from your windows, sticking tint film on your window is another way to control the temperature of the room. This window film keeps infrared heat out and can reduce the temperature at home by 5‚ÑÉ. Give your air-conditioning and fan a break with these simple solutions!
2. Optimise your water usage
Water is an essential resource for every household, so why not use eco-friendly and water-saving fixtures such as low-flow taps and shower heads? If you like long showers, atomized water fixtures allow you to minimise usage without compromising on water pressure or flow.
You can also switch out your sink and shower heads fittings for atomised water fixtures as an easy way to reduce water consumption in your home.
3. Choose sustainable furnishings
Creating an eco-friendly home would also include being conscious of waste derived from furniture and finishings being thrown away. Despite the wide variety of DIY furniture available in stores and even online retail platforms, these items often have a short lifespan and are prone to wear and tear. Sadly, the simplicity of such furniture is due to its flimsy foundations that are unsustainable in the long run.
When selecting furniture for your home, account for durable materials that can withstand heavy usage. Materials such as reclaimed wood is a good choice as it actually gains durability with age. Furthermore, it is also an environmentally-conscious alternative to regular wood.
It’s also best to opt for classic furniture and furnishings instead of going for the latest home interior trend. By investing in timeless pieces, you are spared the expense and hassle of updating your interior design more often. This also means that you throw away less waste materials and used furniture.
Still craving an upgrade in your home’s interior design? Test your creativity by repurposing old furniture to give it a new breath of life. Perhaps go for a shabby chic home aesthetic for a change!
Creating a smartly-designed home need not be a daunting task. By taking the time to choose your furniture and appliances with care, you can have a modern home that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Ready to make the smart move and transform your home?
Ohmyhome Home Renovation Services bring you quality interior design from conceptualisation till completion!
+65 9755 9283 
hello@ohmyhome.com 
