Increasing numbers of consumers want more than just quality these days. Turning their attention to companies and products that align with their personal and environmental values, the popularity of green materials and furnishings in the home is set to continue. So, we thought it a better time than any to investigate a number of ways to make your home more sustainable in 2021 and beyond.
The official definition of ‘sustainability’ is:
‘the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.’
So, sustainability is the ability to exist constantly without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs – environmentally, socially and economically.
Investing in effective insulation is one of the best ways to make your home more sustainable. Insulating walls, ceilings and under floors with eco-friendly insulating alternatives such as sheep’s wool, cotton, Icynene, aerogel, thermacork and cellulose will not only reduce heating bills, but will work towards a healthier home environment too.
Did you know inefficient windows and doors can account for as much as 35% of wasted household energy? The average home has around 8 windows, so if you have old single glazing or window or door frames that are not performing as they should, this can seriously impact upon your home’s sustainability levels. Tough triple glazing is 5 times more efficient than single glazing and can boost the energy savings made from double glazing by around 15%. Potentially saving up to £766 a year on heating costs, investing in triple glazing is worth its weight in gold! Replacing outdated double glazing or adding conservation-friendly secondary glazing is also a sustainable option to consider, as raising your home’s EPC from a G rating through to a higher A or B rating can increase property value by as much as 14%!
Upcycling furniture is a fun, creative and affordable way to get into the sustainable living mindset. Update your home decor by utilising what you already have, e.g. repaint a headboard, DIY suitcase wall shelves, old pallet coffee tables… let your imagination run wild! Natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and seagrasses are also highly sustainable and easy on the eye. For the garden, it’s worth considering aluminium outdoor furniture as it’s the most durable thanks to its strength, rust-resistant, enduring qualities.
Reclaimed or recycled wood and metal are ideal materials for sustainable window and door replacements too. For example, modern aluminium windows and doors are 100% recyclable and can be repeatedly recycled with no loss of quality at all, impressively lasting up to 45 years. Whilst timber windows and doors absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, are biodegradable and can last twice as long as uPVC windows (up to 60 years) – generally working out the most cost-effective option when combined with triple glazing than any other material. Solid tiled roof conservatory replacements are also a good idea for inefficient glazed extensions – improving household sustainability levels, keeping more heat in whilst adding significant value.
As leading installers of replacement door solutions, we offer an extensive range of high-performance front and back doors for homeowners across the Midlands.
Doors
It goes without saying that smart home technology saves time and brings properties into the 21st Century, but what about conserving energy? Smart home technology works towards reducing your home’s environmental impact, e.g. smart heating thermostats, hybrid heat pumps, innovative sensor lighting systems, smart valves that reduce water consumption and energy reducing smart plugs. It may seem like a sizeable expense initially, but over time they will pay for themselves and then some!
Kubu smart lock sensors also notify you if your door is locked or unlocked, so you can make sure your home is secure anytime, anywhere. Powered by a long life, low energy battery, no hardwiring is needed. When the time comes to sell-up, Kubu enhanced doors will also dramatically enhance your kerb appeal, giving you a modern edge over other properties for sale in the area. At the cutting edge of smart door technology, you’ll be happy to learn that our collection of composite doors are available with fantastic Kubu smart locking hardware.
Committed to sourcing high-performance, eco-friendly windows, doors and glazed extensions at affordable prices, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your West Midlands home – especially with our latest winter sale; up to 35% off windows, doors and conservatories! Make 2021 your year for sustainability, only with Astoria Windows.
At Astoria Windows, we provide complete peace of mind by operating to recognised industry standards. We are a FENSA‑registered installer, ensuring that all window and door installations comply with current building regulations. For added reassurance, every installation is also covered by a 10‑year insurance‑backed guarantee, provided as standard.
With a team bringing together over 35 years of industry experience, we have built a strong reputation for quality workmanship, reliable service and honest advice. Much of our work comes through recommendation, and our customer reviews reflect the care and attention our team brings to every project. We take pride in the trust homeowners place in us and in the long‑standing relationships we’ve built by delivering consistently high standards.
