With the ongoing problem of global warming, more and more people are becoming environmentally aware and trying to help our planet to heal and thrive. While most of them have been introducing changes to their lifestyles, consumption choices, and habits, some people decide to take another step in their eco-friendly journey.
Not only do they try to make conscious, greener choices, they also want their place of living to be as environmentally friendly as possible. There are many ways to make one’s existing house or apartment more eco-friendly, but what if you are searching for a completely brand new place to live? These are the main things you, as an environmentally aware house buyer, should be aware of!
Using LED Lighting
LED’s or light-emitting diodes are a more sustainable alternative to traditional light bulbs. While they may be slightly more expensive, they last much longer and are more efficient. But the type of light bulb used is not the only thing to look into. Motion sensors can greatly help in saving your money and energy. The light won’t be wasted in unoccupied rooms, and you won’t have to worry about anyone forgetting to turn off the lights.
Alternatively, if you intend to build a new house instead of buying one, you probably wonder how much natural light you will get in your new place. In such a case, you might be interested in 3D Architect Rendering – J Bullock & Associates to see how many lamps you will have to install.
Being Energy Efficient
Look into Energy Star Appliances. You can recognize them by spotting a blue logo with the star next to the word “energy”. Such products help to save energy and money without harm to their performance and without losing popular features. They are sustainable and use from 10 to 50 percent less energy than average home appliances. This label introduces washers, dryers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, windows, and many more.
Additionally, you should consider getting a house with a green roof – it is an excellent way to make your home more energy-efficient. These roofs are covered in grass, shrubs, trees, or other plants that reduce energy costs by keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter. The plants absorb rainwater and use it for their own growth, which results in reducing storm runoff. They also improve air quality, though it won’t be much of a factor in places where the air quality is already great, for example, in Sea Crest Villas Hilton Head.
Using the Eco-Friendly Materials
The first and most important thing you should look into is whether the house you are planning to buy is made out of environmentally friendly materials. The eco-house should be built in a way that has the lowest possible impact on the environment. Look for recycled or salvaged wood. Such wood usage could reduce global CO2 emissions even by 31% if it became more common amongst builders! Materials that encourage sustainable energy such as recycled steel, bamboo, straw bales, and precast concrete are a great choice as well.
Minimizing Your Energy Usage
Reducing energy usage is one of the goals of an eco-friendly house. Installing insulation is a great step towards lowering your energy consumption. While the cost may be bigger at the beginning, the difference in the future energy bills makes the investment really worth it! You could also think about the installation of solar panels if the house you’re considering doesn’t have them already. Not only will you reduce your carbon emission, but you will also save money as your household appliances will be powered by the sun!
Water Efficiency
Many people use water quite carelessly and excessively, when in fact we should be saving it as much as we can. An eco-friendly house should have plumbing that will use water efficiently without wasting it. There are water heaters that do not use up more water than necessary. Water waste can also be minimized by installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. This option has become more and more popular and accessible for many families.
Dual-Pane And Low-E Windows
Another way to reduce your energy usage is to find a house that has dual-pane or Low-E windows installed. The first option, a dual-pane window, has two panes of glass that keep a layer of air between them. Such air acts as insulation; it keeps the warmth in and traps the cold air outside. Low-E windows work in a similar way – they save energy by having better insulation. Such windows also protect from harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
If you think that you are ready for a big change, you should know that this is just the beginning of a journey. You should ask a lot of questions: about the materials, about water and energy efficiency, about all your options to make your future home as eco-friendly as possible. With the growing demand for environmentally friendly houses, there should be plenty of affordable options.
As an ecologically aware house buyer, there are a lot of things you need to look into. The list may seem overwhelming at first, with many solutions requiring a bigger budget when investing in an eco-friendly home. But such investment recoups after a few years – the energy and water bills decreasing while choosing greener options. And the awareness that you are doing something good for your planet, good for your loved ones? Such awareness is priceless.
