Tiny homes are brimming into popularity in recent years, not only because of their sizes but also because they are eco-friendly. The high cost of living due to the rise in housing prices and other environmental issues have made people choose the tiny way.
Tiny homes are known to be energy savers as they are built using few construction materials, require few lights, and use less energy for cooling and heating, among others. You, as a homeowner, can emulate the few tricks on ways to make your tiny home more efficient.
Adapt the Use of Solar Panels
A solar panel is not only good for the environment but also for your pocket. You get to save a lot when you go the solar way as you will be able to produce your electricity. The solar panel is a great way to power your tiny home and save on energy costs.
You can rest assured that you will be able to power your whole tiny home with just a small solar panel, as a tiny home uses 90 to 120 kilowatts monthly. You can also increase your tiny home’s efficiency by using solar freezers, solar-powered AC, solar water heaters, and many others.
Go for Eco-friendly Flooring
Your tiny home doesn’t require much flooring, so eco-friendly flooring is of great value. There are many eco-friendly flooring you can choose from that will provide you with a sustainable and reliable foundation for your tiny home. You should consider the type of materials the manufacturers are using for flooring and make sure you select one that is natural and biodegradable.
There are wide varieties available that you can choose from, such as:
- Bamboo
- Linoleum
- Engineered Hardwood
- Recycled materials
You can rely on these and many other types of flooring, and before choosing, ensure you learn about each option that suits you and your tiny home.
Opt for Sofa Bed
Since owning a bed and a couch might take up too much space, having a sofa bed is a perfect fit for your tiny home as it serves more than one purpose by providing you with space and can act as your sofa and bed at the same time. It offers comfort, and you will not even notice sleeping on a sofa bed. It can be folded when not in use and used as a sofa for you and your guests.
When shopping for sofa bed mattresses make sure it is comfortable enough to sleep on every night. It is important that you select the right mattress for your body.
Rain Catching System
To excellently boost your tiny home’s energy efficiency, harvesting water for irrigation, toilet flushing, showering, and washing clothes and utensils is the best way to go. Before deciding on this method, you are advised to check with your local authority for laws and regulations to ensure the system is permitted.
If you are looking for something with more carrying capacity and permanent but little maintenance after the system is set up, then having your water cistern will undoubtedly take care of your household’s daily needs. Always remember to buy pumps with filters before entering your tiny home because it will enable clean water collection.
Use of Portable Washing Machine
Because your tiny home might not have the space to accommodate appliances like a washing machine, you might consider having a portable or manual washing machine. With these types of washing machines, you don’t have to keep worrying about your laundry room being filled up by a machine. Some of these machines may use electricity, while others are hand-powered and work the same way as the salad spinner.
The portable washing machine will serve your light needs and that of your family and can also wash more than just your clothes. After washing the clothes, the most energy-efficient way of drying your clothes is by hanging them on a string clothesline.
Conclusion
You do not have to do all these simultaneously as you might be overwhelmed. Instead, do one at a time and enjoy the results. Your tiny home can be stylish, comfortable, and more efficient when you follow the mentioned few tricks to modify your home.
