Rethinking how we heat our homes will not only cut down energy bills but also aid with reducing carbon emissions.

Vox states that in the U.S. alone, managing the temperature of buildings and homes makes up about 10% of overall greenhouse gas emissions in the country. This is why transitioning to sustainable ways of heating can make a huge contribution to helping with climate change.

So, if you’re wondering ‘How to Make Your Home Cozy for Winter’, and be sustainable, here are some of the trends that we are seeing from across the globe:

1. Going ductless

Insulation, of course is the most affordable and sustainable solution to making your heating system cost-effective. But in the U.S., many people go further by installing ductless heat pumps. Duct losses can comprise up to 30% of the energy consumption for space conditioning, according to the US Department of Energy.

With ductless temperature management, you can zone control your rooms. This helps since you probably don’t want to heat your garage as much as your living room or bedroom. This also means a shift from gas to electricity for your heat source.

2. Use the right heater

Australian leading energy company Aurora Energy notes how homeowners are opting for small heating units. It’s no use using good insulation or even installing ductless pumps if you’re wasting money on buying a large heater for a small room. While heating from one source alone is a waste of money and energy, using numerous big ones will yield the same if not worse output. Opt for smaller pumps designed to be energy efficient. This way, you’re saving money now and in the long run. 

Electric radiators are also an option.  These ones are energy-efficient, stylish and easy to insall.

3. Upgrade your boiler

The Guardian reports on how sustainability is a growing trend with many British citizens ditching their centralized heating boilers and shifting to more sustainable low carbon heating systems. It’s estimated that this transition will be complete in all new homes by 2025, which will help reduce the 14% greenhouse gas emissions that come from UK homes. Even though that is the target date, many are already making the switch with plumbing experts HomeServe recommending that their UK customers upgrade their boiler if they’ve had it for an extended period of time. A boiler that is over 15 years old will be much less effective than a modern design, such as a combi-boiler, which is designed to be heat efficient. Plus, if it’s new, you’re less likely to have issues going into the winter season.

4. Automated thermostat

If you only turn up the heat as soon as you wake up or leave the boiler or heating pump on low all day, you’re wasting energy. In Canada, homeowners are investing in automated thermostats that control their home heating systems. While it’s counterintuitive to add another layer of cost to your appliances, it’s a much-needed investment for efficiency. The Toronto Sun highlights that installing programmable thermostats can equal a 10% drop in your heating costs.

There are numerous ways to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of your heating system. All around the world, homeowners are waking up to the possibility of new technologies that can warm our houses without warming the planet. The key is to take action.