Home buyers increasingly seek eco-friendly homes that reduce energy and water usage. Whether buying a new build or renovating their current home, these energy-saving features are popular with homeowners and increase property value.
Builders who want to attract environmentally conscious buyers often use ethically sourced materials like reclaimed wood and recycled insulation. These materials also require less energy to produce than conventional building materials.
Energy efficient windows
With rising energy costs, homeowners are looking for ways to save money and reduce their home’s energy consumption. Quality windows are one way to do this, and they also make the house feel brighter without relying on artificial lighting.
Professionals suggest using windows with low emissivity to reflect solar heat and UV rays while keeping the home’s interior cool. Additionally, insulated frames help reduce energy transfer and keep moisture out.
Another tip for energy efficiency is to use high-quality spacers. Those made from vinyl, fiberglass, and wood are more efficient than metal spacers.
Water efficient fixtures
Sustainable home design is more critical than ever in drought-prone areas. Water efficient fixtures help to reduce your household’s water use, which saves money and helps protect local water supplies.
Adding water-saving features to your new construction Wichita can be done quickly and affordably. Low-flow taps, shower heads, and toilets can save you gallons of water while reducing energy usage.
Many of these eco-friendly home features are becoming more mainstream. As such, they’re a must for anyone looking to make their new home environmentally friendly. Including these energy-saving features in your new home can save money and make your house more desirable to potential buyers.
Insulation
Insulation keeps the heat from escaping in the winter and prevents cool air from leaking out in the summer, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, proper insulation helps conserve nonrenewable fuel supplies and lowers energy bills.
Many homeowners are focusing on the societal impact of building materials, including insulation, which can be made from recycled content or renewable resources with a low carbon footprint. Spray foam insulation is an excellent example and is available in various R-values. It is also effective at sealing cracks and crevices, and it provides superior soundproofing as well.
Energy-efficient appliances
Home builders looking to attract eco-conscious buyers often offer various options for reducing energy usage. For example, they may include insulation that keeps cool air in during the winter and hot air out in the summer. They might also install windows that maximize natural light while minimizing harmful UV rays and glare.
Recycled materials
Recycling saves natural resources, reduces pollution from incineration and landfill waste, and cuts energy use. This also conserves the world’s supply of raw materials, prevents overusing the planet’s limited resources, and preserves biodiversity and the environment.
Many homeowners are incorporating recycled materials into their new homes for aesthetics or functionality. Some examples include using reclaimed wood, repurposed pallets and wine corks, ashcrete blocks, and other recycled building products. Incorporating recycled materials into your home is one of the most eco-friendly construction features to consider. Reusing these materials reduces the need to harvest or mine additional natural materials and minimizes job site waste.
Solar panels
Many green homes feature solar panels that generate clean, green energy. Unlike power plants that burn natural gas and oil, these panels don’t require water for power production.
Cool roofs reflect heat from sunlight rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling costs. Similarly, eco-heating systems like geothermal heat use the Earth’s heat to reduce energy consumption and costs.
Adding photovoltaic (solar) panels to your new home will reduce energy costs. These generate electricity during daylight hours and can be stored in batteries at night. Plus, excess energy can be sold back to your local energy provider.
Energy-efficient lighting
Energy-efficient lighting reduces power consumption and helps you achieve your sustainability goals. Energy-efficient lighting, from LED lightbulbs to smart control systems, will significantly lower your electricity costs and environmental footprint.
Eco-homes are becoming increasingly popular. They are designed to use renewable energy and limit environmental impact. This is achieved using eco-friendly insulation, implementing renewable energy systems, and installing energy-efficient appliances.
Eco-friendly homes also incorporate sustainable flooring, VOC-free paints, and a waste management system. Choosing an eco home can help protect the environment, reduce energy bills, and increase property value.
