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Air pollution and excessive energy consumption are serious problems that affect us all, and we can no longer pretend not to see these problems. In order to reduce in part energy consumption and the emissions that are harmful for the environment, we all could, and should, do something: using public transportation or the bicycle, when it is possible, instead of driving the car, turning the lights off when we leave a room, starting the washing machine and the dishwasher only when they are fully loaded, and so on. In addition to these little expedients, that we can all put into practice with no effort, there are many other things that we can do, starting first of all from our own home. Our homes, especially those built many years ago, can be dangerous enemies of the environment, and of our wallet, too: old household appliances that consume too much, window and door frames and walls that are not suitable for thermal insulation, obsolete heating systems or air conditioners used even when you do not really need it…these are only some of the “dangers” that can be found in many of our houses. The Government incentives that have been recently offered to Italians for home renovations are an evidence of the importance that is attributed to this problem, and they show to what extent it is worth finding a solution as soon as possible. The 2008 Budget included a tax relief by 36% for the costs of the renovation of the house, including replacement of heaters and air conditioners and repair of heating systems. Italians can benefit from these incentives until the 31st December 2010, to renew their house and do something good for the environment at once. But how should the ideal eco friendly house be? There are many interventions that can be made, from the thermal insulation to the installation of photovoltaic or solar panels, to the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. Installing solar thermal panels, which use the sun’s energy to warm water, and can replace electric water-heaters and heaters, or photovoltaic panels, which can produce energy, you can definitely save energy and money, reducing harmful emissions at once. Once the solar panels have been installed, you can deal with your household appliances: if you are still using the same refrigerator that you bought many years ago, you really should replace it. New A Class household appliances consume much less, and you will only need to have a look at the bill to realize that these appliances do not only have a minor environmental impact, they can also result in a significant saving of money. Other polluting elements that can be found in a home are air conditioners. The solution in this case is choosing eco friendly plants, like inverter air conditioners, and insulating your house: in this way you can prevent heat losses, consequently reducing the consumptions related to the cooling and the warming of rooms. Photovoltaic and solar panels, plants and household appliances of the last generation and thermal insulation are only some of the watchwords that we all should keep in mind, especially if we have to restore our house or build a new one: the advantages, in terms of both energy consumption and saving of money, will be self-evident. This article was written by Francesca Tessarollo with support from muratura armata. For more information, please visit blocchi muratura or muri cemento armato.
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