Four Great Reasons to Have an Environmentally Friendly House
Eco-friendly building materials are a current trend in new home construction. However, that does not mean that homeowners of existing buildings cannot take steps to make their homes more environmentally friendly.
A few simple tweaks can turn your house into a greener structure that does less harm to the environment in the long run. As recent studies indicate, global warming is happening more rapidly than scientists initially thought. Therefore, everyone should do their part to conserve what resources we have. Here is why you should consider going green and making your house eco-friendlier:
Energy savings
As winter approaches, many homeowners must start budgeting additional funds to pay their gas or electric bills to keep the heat on. However, this should no longer be such a significant financial burden with the plug in heating radiators from BestElectricRadiators, Elnur Ecombi, or Herschel Select. BestElectricRadiators sells a wide range of electric, wall-mounted radiators with smart controls, meaning that you can set them to run at different temperatures and times, depending on your requirements. Additionally, you can switch them on and off using an app.
Together with adding more modern appliances that consume less energy, such as fridges, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, you should see a decrease in energy bills, offering welcome relief at a time where every dollar counts. Add energy-efficient light bulbs to the equation to garner even more savings.
Solar electric supply systems can further reduce electricity consumption by harnessing the sun’s energy to fulfill the home’s electricity requirements. Only once the solar power is depleted will the system revert to conventional electricity use. Inquire about state programs that may contribute funds to your conversion to solar power.
In fact, EcoWatch reports that while states like Texas do not have a statewide solar rebate, many local governments and utility companies offer rebates to residents who own solar panels.
Water savings
In addition to saving electricity, modern appliances also consume less water. Therefore, a new dishwasher or washing machine will reduce your water bill. Newer plumbing systems, such as toilets manufactured from the 1990s onward, use less water to flush. An older toilet can use up to seven gallons per flush, whereas new models use less than two. These reductions in water consumption will save money and help when your state or city imposes water restrictions due to drought conditions.
Modern sprinkler and irrigation systems have low-flow settings that prevent overwatering and water wastage. They are ideal for keeping a green lawn without spending a fortune on water or wasting this precious resource.
Low-pressure shower heads can reduce water consumption in the shower by up to 50%. Many contractors install them as standard equipment in new buildings. However, consider replacing the head with a more modern one designed to save water if your shower is older. Determine if your shower head is wasting water by turning it on and placing a gallon container under the head. If the container fills up in less than 20 seconds, your shower head is expelling too much water.
Home value
When buyers are more conscious about their carbon footprint and preserving the planet’s resources, they want to know that the home they buy is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Any steps you have taken to add to the house’s features and selling points make it a more attractive prospect.
While you might not be thinking about selling your home right now, undertaking upgrades that could enhance its value is never a bad idea. They pay off in the long run.
Moreover, making your home more eco-friendly will not only add to its value but also cut some of the cost of running your household. For example, switching to using solar energy means reducing your electricity bills.
Solar-powered fixtures such as outdoor post lights also help heighten the security of your home without the additional cost of energy. In short, going the eco-friendly route adds value to your home in more ways other than raising the price of your property.
Before implementing such projects, do a cost-benefit analysis if you are doing them to add as selling points. Ensure that you stand to make more money than you spend to do the eco upgrades.
Environmental impact
Green remodeling saves resources as the materials used create less construction waste. Most of it can be recycled to make new construction materials or other products. Additionally, during a green remodel, contractors will preserve and reuse many materials. For example, old floorboards can be converted into a dining room or coffee table or used as wood paneling to insulate a living room wall.
Reused or recycled building materials do not wear out sooner than brand new ones. Indeed, decking made from recycled wood and plastic lasts far longer than conventional wooden deck materials and requires much less maintenance. Consult a contractor about which eco-friendly materials will be cost-effective and durable so they can save you money and stand the test of time. For more insights on eco-friendly living, check out this article at Blue Raven Solar's blog, which presents 5 self-sufficient living ideas.
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