6 Tips for Constructing an Energy-Efficient & Environmentally-Friendly Home
Green building practices have more homeowners seeing green than ever before. Whether you’re a conservationist at heart who structures their routine with sustainability in mind or you’re just looking to shave off expenses from electric bills, incorporating eco-friendly design elements in your home is a worthy endeavor. Luckily, building your home from scratch allows you to curate every aspect of construction and make energy-efficient decisions every step of the way. Not sure where to start? Here are six tips for constructing a environmentally-friendly home.
1. Power your property with a solar generator
A solar generator produces an alternative power source by using renewable energy from the sun. A residential-size solar generator is ideal for powering home appliances, industrial tools, and electronics. Once you’ve installed the device, solar generators provide your home with unlimited sustainable energy at no extra cost. You will also benefit from low maintenance costs and minimal noise when running.
2. Downsize
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Large homes produce more waste, require more energy, and have a larger impact on the environment. When drawing house plans, consider downsizing to less square footage. Start by building the rooms you care about most, like the kitchen or master bathroom. Then, sacrifice unnecessary space like the two-car garage or oversized pantry.
3. Use sustainable materials
Between building practices and construction, there is bound to be material waste during the process. Purchase sustainable materials that limit the environmental impact while making a statement in your home. Get creative when hunting for materials. An old barn door is easily refurbished to fit a farmhouse-style home. Other sustainable materials include bamboo floors, composite roofing shingles, and smart glass windows.
4. Opt for efficient fixtures
A leaky faucet runs up your water bill each month while wasting precious water during a widespread drought. Invest in efficient faucets to save up to ten percent on your annual water bill and protect your home from potential water damage. Efficient fixtures include dual-flush toilets, showerheads, faucets, and dishwashers that use less water without sacrificing performance.
5. Insulate smartly
Without proper insulation, your home’s heating and cooling expenses skyrocket. Invest in high-quality insulation to save money while reducing your energy intake. You should also consider eco-friendly insulation made from recycled materials like cellulose insulation. The material is durable, fire-resistant, and repelling to insects.
6. Rethink lighting
Energy Star certified lightbulbs use 70% less energy than traditional bulbs and last considerably longer. Simply switching the bulbs in your home to green alternatives can save you up to $135 throughout its lifetime. Additionally, try to use as much natural light in your home as possible. During the construction, try to incorporate light-friendly designs like skylights and bay windows to fill your home with as much sustainable light as possible.
Go green: Environmentally-Friendly Home
When building your forever home, going green will save money while supporting the environment. From using sustainable building materials to investing in renewable energy sources, making your home eco-friendly starts at the beginning. Talk with your builder about what you want, and go through every step with an eco-conscious attitude. Once your sustainable home is built, you’ll understand why more and more homes are going green.
