Green is the New Black: Trendy Tips for a Greener Home in 2025

The 365 days ahead are promising for anyone seeking to tick off the box on their sustainability resolutions. With climate change becoming a more pressing issue, there’s a growing need to act toward improving people’s carbon footprints. To lessen your impact on the environment and create a sustainable haven, here are trendy tips to make your home greener this 2025.

 

Change to LED Lightbulbs

The easiest way to lessen your electricity consumption is to switch from incandescent and halogen bulbs to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. This is because lighting accounts for 10% of the energy use in Australian homes. LED bulbs consume less energy and last for far longer, which saves you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills over their lifetime. When making the change, look for brands with high energy-efficiency ratings and a warm colour temperature mimicking the sunlight for a cosy ambiance.

 

Install Low-flow Fixtures

Water efficiency is critical, especially with droughts affecting much of Australia. Low-flow fixtures — showerheads, taps, dual-flush toilets and bidets — reduce your water consumption and lower your bill. For instance, replacing your old single-flush toilet with a 4-star dual-flush toilet can save you up to 50,000 litres of water and $148 annually on your water supply charges.

 

Use Energy-Efficient Air Appliances

With the country’s hot climate, air conditioning remains a necessity for many homes. Switch to an energy-efficient air conditioner with a high star rating. The higher the number of stars, the less electricity it consumes, saving you more money on energy bills. Don’t sleep on regular maintenance, too, as it ensures your unit runs efficiently amidst the Australian heat.

 

Pair your air conditioner with an air purifier to further improve your cooling system. This is especially useful in homes prone to bushfire smoke or urban pollution, as it removes pollutants, allergens and dust particles. Devices with HEPA filters have a 99.97% efficiency rating, making them more effective in improving indoor air quality.

 

Shift to a Smart Thermostat

Depending on your climate zone, your heating and cooling system can eat up to 50% of your electricity consumption. Your manual thermostat might work fine, but it takes considerable effort to remember to crank it down when you’re going out. It’s time to install a new one.

 

A smart thermostat automates your heating and cooling, adjusting the settings for the ideal home temperature — which immediately drops the room temperature when you’re not home. This allows you to maximize energy efficiency in the home without manually turning your thermostat off every time. Some thermostats also allow you to connect your heating and cooling system to your phone to monitor electricity usage in real time.

 

Upgrade Your Insulation

Insulation might not be the trendiest feature of a home, but investing in it is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy costs. A properly insulated home stays cool in the summer and warmer in the winter, minimizing the need for air conditioning or heating.

 

Make insulating even greener with sustainable options like sheep wool, cellulose or recycled denim. Sheep wool goes for at least $40 per square metre, while cellulose can go for $30. These eco-friendly alternatives may cost more than traditional insulation, but their durability makes them cost-effective in the long run. Traditional insulation can cost between $1,600 and $4,800, depending on whether you’re insulating your ceiling, floor or walls.

 

Reduce Vampire Loads

Vampire loads are the electricity used by devices left on standby. They go unnoticed as you keep these appliances plugged in for convenience, not knowing that they actually contribute as much as 10% of your energy use.

 

To stop them from draining your electricity, upgrade your power strips to one that can be turned on or off with a switch or plug appliances off the socket. There are also smart power strip options that detect when devices are inactive and automatically cut off power to prevent waste.

 

Turn Your Home Into an Eco-Friendly Haven

Realizing your greener home dreams doesn’t have to be complicated. You can always start small by replacing lightbulbs and fixtures and plugging off unused appliances before transitioning into bigger home transformations to make your home more eco-conscious. Remember, being more mindful of how you use the earth’s resources is more important, so take it one home upgrade at a time.