Many individuals today are increasingly opting for the so called green-building approach which has to do with several components like sustainable products, energy efficient gear and natural resources which when combined, would help reduce the carbon footprint of the house and its environmental impact as well. Building and maintaining a green home is not that hard a task provided you consider the following pointers.
Insulation
You can make your home more energy efficient by installing insulation to effectively close air fissures and cracks/openings in lofts or walls.
Doing so would reduce the amount of energy wasted in heating and cooling your home during summer and winter respectively. The pros at Feller Roofing claim that “During the winter, insulation keeps a home’s heat from escaping into the attic and increasing heating costs. In the summer time, it keeps the heat that is absorbed by the roof from being radiated into the home and increasing cooling costs.” So, insulating your home would enable it to require less energy for heating and cooling purposes, thereby increasing energy efficiency.
Natural Lighting and Ventilation
Green homes are all about utilizing the natural resources for a variety of purposes.
For instance, you can plant some trees near the south side of your home in order to get some shade as well as fresh air/breeze. You can also opt to construct windows on all sides of the home in order to facilitate natural lighting and cross ventilation.
Efficient Gear
Using energy efficient mechanical and electrical gear in the home can in turn, make the latter more energy efficient.
When building a green home, opt for equipment that contain blue Energy star labels (recognized energy efficient products), including appliances like water heaters, lights and HVAC systems that you would use regularly.
Sustainable Construction Materials
When building a green home, opt for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials, including amalgamated wood decks, recycled plastic components and even domesticated wood. These materials would usually remain in perfect condition for many years, thereby saving you plenty of money in repair and replacement costs in the future.
And that would mean a good return on investment, even if you have to pay more for these materials.
Green Contractors
If you are thinking of hiring a contractor for the job, consider investing in a green contractor. These professionals would know all there is to know about green building strategies, including the conservation of energy, water and other natural resources during construction or renovation.
A green contractor would also be able to offer you advice on how to make your home more sustainable in the long run. Some of this includes using plants without chemical pesticides for landscaping or installing porous materials in the walkways to absorb excess water.
Summary
Here are some of the tips that you can follow when constructing your dream green home. By following these tips, you would be creating a healthier lifestyle for your family as well as doing the environment a whole lot of good in the long run.
