Did you know that about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions come from home energy use in the U.S.? These emissions from energy consumption are a large part of why America has such a large carbon footprint.
Are you wondering how you can make your home more eco friendly and sustainable? Keep reading this article to learn how to design a green home.
1. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
The average price of residential electricity consumption is around 13 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That doesn’t sound too bad, right? Considering your refrigerator alone can use over 2,000 kWh of energy per year, the costs add up quickly.
If you choose to install certified energy-efficient appliances in your home, your energy bill could be cut by over $100 or more. Older or improperly sized units could cause spikes in your electric usage. When the machines themselves may cost a little more upfront, the money you will save makes them worth the price.
Use the EPA’s Energy Star rating system to determine your energy needs. It can show you the differences between your current appliances and upgraded ones. It’s an easy step toward lowering your energy costs and cultivating as well as an eco friendly home.
2. Consider the Layout
It’s typically not the first thing homeowners think about when thinking about how to make your home more environmentally friendly, but the layout of your rooms is critical for energy efficiency. The factors to consider when consulting a builder for sustainable custom homes are location, orientation, shape, size, weather patterns, and interior design.
A home that doesn’t rely much on nonrenewable sources for power should be located in an area with very good solar access. Even if you don’t plan to install a solar system yet, you’ll get the benefits of natural lighting in the daytime. Compact homes with open floor plans demand less energy for heating and cooling.
3. Use Smart Home Technology
Innovative home technology goes beyond programmable thermostats or motion-activated lighting. Recent tech has been made for those looking to live more sustainably. This includes showerheads with water consumption monitoring, smart irrigation and sprinkler systems, and whole-home energy monitors.
Home energy monitors tap into your house’s electrical system to learn about your energy usage patterns and provides you with real data and feedback. It can also connect to other gadgets like Amazon’s Alexa and lets you give verbal commands or ask questions.
You’ll see what appliances or other sources are drawing the most power. It also shows much it is costing you monthly, and how to cut back.
Designing a Sustainable and Stylish Green Home Made Easy
These tips, such as choosing energy-efficient appliances, considering the layout, and utilizing smart home technology, are three of many ideas for an eco friendly, green home.
If you’re looking for Granbury custom home builders, or have questions on how to optimize your home, call, email, or send us a message here.
