How to Turn Your Existing Mexican Property into an Eco-Friendly Marvel is a contribution by guest blogger Chrissy Jones.
The recent approval of a $400 million green loan by a public multinational electric utility company in Mexico places sustainability and renewability under the spotlight. This is the ideal time for homeowners to rethink their stance on eco-friendly living and incorporating this into their own homes. While purchasing a carbon-neutral home is the ideal situation, homeowners can do much to improve their carbon footprint at home.
How to Tackle and Take Advantage of the Climate
Mexico enjoys many different types of climates throughout the year. The southeastern tip enjoys warmer temperatures for a large chunk of the year. This means homes need copious amounts of cooling in order for the occupants to feel comfortable. But this climate also happens to be the ideal environment for recharging those solar panels. This, in turn, can power the AC and fans without putting a strain on the environment (and your electric bill).
Fewer Windows and More Circulation
Glass happens to be one of the biggest contributors to indoor heat, as it magnifies the intensity of the rays while blocking the circulation of air. It also allows the heat to penetrate into the house, which can increase the indoor heat by up to 30%. Homeowners are recommended to draw their curtains or close the blinds for a temporary solution. A more permanent solution would be to add awnings outside to ensure the midday sun stays away, but the late afternoon has a chance to peek inside. This way, the room stays ventilated and bright without letting in glaring rays of sunlight.
Replace Energy-Inefficient Items
There are a number of items in a household that can contribute to a high drain on our resources and result in high utility bills. If cost is a concern, start with the smaller items first and change them one by one. Any small change contributes plenty to improving the planet. Changing to energy-efficient lightbulbs not only has a positive effect on your utility bill and the environment, but also happens to last a lot longer than traditional ones. After that, you can start taking care of appliances that no longer make the grade. Old appliances can place a large drain on the utilities as they need so much more power to function optimally. When swapping these out for new appliances, look for those that have the energy-efficient logo.
Install Smart Home Systems
IoT is already making big strides in Mexico, with the nation considered on the cusp of IoT supremacy. What this means for sustainability is incalculable at an industrial level. The technology trickles down to the households as well, where smart integration of IoT helps households achieve and maintain their carbon neutral status. From controlling the water heater and the thermostat to changing the angle of the windows, these things are possible by using a smartphone, tablet or other connected device thanks to IoT technology. As new players enter the field, the technology is becoming far more affordable for households.
An eco-friendly property doesn’t always have to be a new-build, like the stunning condos in Tulum. It can also be an existing property that adapts to change. There is no reason to sacrifice comfort or style to incorporate eco-friendly methods. Sustainable properties carry certain benefits, as well, such as tax relief and savings on monthly expenses.
