Environmentally-friendly homes are a win-win. They benefit both you and the environment—by reducing your carbon footprint and even saving you money in the long run.
Green homes use recycled material, encourage the reduction of any waste, use renewable resources, utilize smart materials, and lower energy usage. These conserved resources, combined with improved energy efficiency, ensure a healthy living environment for homeowners and communities.
So, as you shop for a new home, you’re probably wondering what to look for in terms of eco-friendliness. Our list covers some of the top features of a home that’s as green as could be.
Look for Innovative, Money-Saving Updates Like Solar
Solar panels for the home are a fantastic feature to look for as you hunt for something environmentally-friendly.
The company that installed the solar should be like those at Blue Raven Solar—BBB-accredited and NABCEP-certified. If the business was properly vetted and the installation process went well, you should notice solar panels in working order with no obvious issues.
Ask for a point of contact if you have any questions about the solar panels or their maintenance in the future.
Check Out the Energy-Efficiency of the Appliances
A home that uses the least amount of energy is essential to improving its eco-friendliness. Green homes typically use about 20% less energy than traditional houses.
When you’re house-hunting, look for updated appliances, which is the first step to saving energy. Bonus points for anything that’s Energy Star-certified. That stamp of approval means the appliance works better and more efficiently than 75% of similar buildings nationwide.
A home equipped with these eco-friendly appliances saves money, saves energy, and saves the environment.
Proper Insulation Is Crucial to Environmentally-Friendly Homes
If your home is energy-efficient but lacks proper insulation, you could be negating any benefits. Insulation is key to keeping cold or hot air where it belongs—not seeping right through the cracks into the outdoors.
Insulation reduces energy costs by significant amounts. On hot surfaces, insulation can reduce heat loss by nearly twenty times.
Ask About the Building’s Materials
How was your prospective home built? Were the materials used to build it locally sourced or even recycled or renewable? Consider that the actual construction of the home made as minimal an impact as possible.
Look for homes built with salvaged or reclaimed wood, which prevents new trees from needing to be cut down. Other types of materials can actually improve insulation and promote sustainable energy. For example, using recycled steel for things like beams can save up to 75% of the energy costs required in sourcing new steel.
There Are So Many Ways to Go Green
When you commit to only shop for environmentally-friendly homes, you’re participating in one of the biggest ways you can.
Homeowners have a lot of power—they can demand better for their homes and advocate for the world at the same time. Green homes are good for you, good for your neighbors, and great for the earth. As you hunt for the right fit, keep the above features in mind. For more great home tips and advice like this, our blog has it all! Keep scrolling.