It can be hard to find a house with all the features we need when shopping for real estate. One concern that seems to be on the minds of most homeowners is sustainability. This article will provide seven eco-friendly tips, broken down into a list below, that you can incorporate into your home buying and home design process and create a greener home as well as more value over time.”
When looking for a new home design, consider the size. A lot of people like to live in a big house with lots of floor space, but buying larger than you need also drives up the energy costs because of increased heating and cooling loads. In fact, some studies have found that “manufactured homes can be as energy efficient as site-built homes,” and that “the most energy-efficient size house is under 1500 square feet.
1. Energy Star
According to EnergyStar.gov, “Companies that sell refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, lighting, heating and cooling systems report their products’ energy use to the government. The government then certifies products with the Energy Star label if they meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.” You can look for homes with EnergyStar appliances or you can also make your home greener by installing energy efficient appliances into your current home design.”
2. Eco-Friendly Landscaping
One in five trees planted in the United States are on private land like lawns and backyards. If you want to help, plant some trees in your yard. Tree planting is good for the environment and can add to property value.” Want to go beyond planting trees? Lawn Care: A low maintenance (and low cost) way to maintain a healthy lawn is to keep it trimmed and fertilized. Consider using a specialty grass that requires less mowing and aerating, like bluegrass or zoysia. Another option for home design is to build a “lawn-less” garden in your yard by using raised beds or stepping stones as the main gardening space.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has an energy star appliance search tool where you can look for energy efficient appliances at all price ranges. In addition, there are many websites that provide reviews or “best of” lists for particular products.” But that’s not the most efficient way to find energy efficient products,” says Sue Harris, author of The Green Picket Fence: 7 Ideas for Eco-Conscious Homeownership (Hachette Book Group). “The Green Picket Fence: 7 Ideas for Eco-Conscious Homeownership” provides consumers a resource for researching how many BTUs are used per dollar spent, how it compares to other likely energy efficient products, and the best strategies for making a home energy efficient.
4. Recycling
Recycling helps the environment by reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfills.” Recycle your cans and bottles at home, in your workplace and in an established public recycling center. Occasionally, you can even find a recycling bin at busy street intersections” “Curbing energy consumption is a commonly cited benefit of green building.” Eco-conscious homeowners can use solar energy and other renewable energy systems to reduce the use or completely cut off the use of traditional fossil fuel based power sources. Homeowners can also install efficient appliances and remodel their home design to save energy. “Wood-burning fireplaces are a great way to produce heat in an environmentally friendly way.
5. Carpooling or Ride Sharing
If possible, carpool to work or if you can’t do that, consider carpooling or ride sharing with colleagues. If people are riding together in a vehicle this saves fuel and pollution.” Ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are making it easier to carpool for those who don’t have a driver’s license. These apps are making it easier to access jobs further away or to get home, especially late at night, if you find yourself stranded somewhere.” “Consider switching to LED light bulbs and not just as something that you can save money on, but also as a way to help save the environment.” “When purchasing any product or service, ask if it’s green. If not, find a more eco-friendly alternative.” “Recycle the old things in your life that you no longer need or use. Don’t trash them; instead donate them so they can be used again.
6. Setting up a Green Fund
One of the ways people can emphasize their interest in sustainable living is through the Eco-Fund launched by Tom Segel and Allison Okamura. In this fund, local residents will be able to make donation and also receive green rewards for more sustainable lifestyle choices.” When it came to building his own house in 1999, Tom Segel was determined to do things differently. He and his wife wanted solar power for their home but did not get the necessary financial support from their bank. Fortunately, they discovered an alternative financing option offered by Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) – which enables homeowners to borrow money at zero percent interest rate, repayable through their own energy savings.
7. Heating and Ventilation Systems (HVAC)
HVAC systems are responsible for heating and cooling most of the buildings in North America today. Having a green heating and ventilation system is important to make your home more energy efficient and save money.” HVAC systems are responsible for heating and cooling most of the buildings in North America today. Having a green heating and ventilation system is important to make your home more energy efficient and save money. There are many ways you can design your home to use natural heat, which means you do not need to use an HVAC system. You can reduce the amount of energy needed by designing your home with thermal mass, solar panels, passive solar heating, renewable energy sources like wind turbines and water-heating geothermal systems.
Conclusion
“As you are aware, there are many ways to help save the environment, such as carpooling, using fewer lights and using more energy efficient appliances. Another way to help reduce carbon emissions is investing in green real estate.” “Antonio Canuto shows how to find environmentally-sound properties and how to make your home design a more eco-friendly place by planning it correctly with the help of Energy Star. If you’ve got an Eco-Conscious home, you can improve your house even further by installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources. These tips will help homeowners cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and protect their planet for future generations.
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