Urban dwellers are showing more interest in building or buying green homes. Along with points like location and other privileges, buyers are also considering if a home is energy efficient or not. Previously, eco-friendliness was considered to be a fancy term as green houses are costlier than their non-energy efficient counterparts.
Modern urban dwellers have understood that energy efficient homes are more cost effective as they help them in saving energy and water bills. But, choosing an eco-friendly and energy efficient home can be a tricky task. Keep the points mentioned by Dr. Prem in the following in mind for making smart investments on green houses.
Evaluate alternative energy options
Alternative energy is clean and eco-friendly. Using more alternative energy in your home is a great way of reducing your daily carbon foot print. Home owners who rely on alternative energy sources like sun rays and wind energy can reduce their monthly energy bills. Though the immediate costs of installing solar panels or wind turbine may seem too high, home owners can reap long term benefits from such investments. Take into consideration the location of your home and try to determine which type of alternative energy investment will be most suitable for it.
Do more with less
Urban dwellers who desire to buy a green home should keep in mind that the main idea behind building an eco-friendly house is to reduce wastage of available resources. So, if you are building it from scratch, try to create a home design plan that includes more within a smaller amount of space.
Modular kitchens use little space but offer everything that a modern homemaker can desire. Likewise, the other rooms too have modular and multi-purpose furniture. If you are buying a house then try to make eco-friendly changes within it. Do not waste space and try to minimize the use of energy and other resources.
Set parameters
While looking for a green home in a good neighborhood, you should have a list of specifications ready. The green home check list will help you in easily finding the kind of home you need. An eco-friendly home must have proper insulation. Double pane windows are a standard measure of boosting the insulation of your home. Energy Star appliances are also a plus point as they save energy and reduce wastage of water.
Invest on running an energy audit which will cost around $500. This will help in finding out beyond doubt if your property is energy efficient or not. Also ask the previous owner to show the previous energy bills. Check the energy bills from summer and winter months to get a clear idea about energy consumption.
The building materials and techniques
Architects have invented amazing new ways of building eco-friendly homes. Adapt new innovative building techniques for making your home more energy efficient. You will also have to use environment friendly materials for constructing the house. Less costly, natural and non-toxic materials are in vogue for building and decorating urban homes.
Home owners and architects have also warmed up to the idea of using repurposed wood and recycled metals for building sustainable abodes. For maintenance of the house try to use non-toxic, eco friendly cleaners and also make recycling a part of your lifestyle. Living in a green home is not all that you need to do. You should also adapt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Urban dwellers, who are planning to build or buy eco-friendly homes, should make a check list of their own requirements. Invest on long term solutions like alternative energy sources and energy efficient appliances.
