Are you someone who wants to create a home that has a smaller impact on our environment and precious Earth? Here is a list of some ways you can help make your home more eco-friendly whether you’re building a new home or renovating.
Windows
A great place to start is to consider how your windows are affecting your home. Whether you’re building a new home or are looking to replace existing windows, be sure to shop around and find energy efficient options. Single-paned windows often allow more air to seep in resulting in terrible insulation. This can result in higher energy bills as you have to use your heating/air conditioning more. Another way windows can help make your home eco-friendly is by choosing a well positioned and thought out sky-light. A Sky-light, when positioned properly in the design of your home, can make for some beautiful natural light. You’ll leave your lights off more often during daytime hours, saving on your electric bill.
Lighting
Lighting options can also play a vital role in the energy consumption of your home. An easy thing to do is to simply change out any old incandescent light bulbs for new LED light bulbs. You can also consider installing motion sensitive or solar powered lighting, especially for any outdoor lighting that might be in and around your garage, doorways and gardens. In the past, people thought that if you were choosing energy efficient lighting options you were also opting for less attractive options, but that is no longer an excuse. There are so many beautiful and unique options out there now, meaning you don’t have to settle and compromise your dream design.
Heating/Cooling
Heating systems and air conditioning units play a massive role in the success of having an eco-friendly home. A programmable thermostat is a great problem solver to help you effectively heat or cool the space when you’re actually at home without using unnecessary energy when you’re out and about during the day. Another great way to save energy during the hot summer months is to use ceiling fans whenever possible instead of always rushing to turn on the air conditioning. Air conditioning units are huge energy suckers and choosing to use a ceiling fan first can save a lot on your energy bills.
Ultimately to create an environmentally friendly home you need to take the time to do your research, shop around and find home designers and builders that understand your passion and desire to make a home that is going to help make less of a negative impact on the home we all share Planet Earth! Here at Alair Huntsville, we are always excited to help our clients build a home they are passionate about!