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Saving Green and Living Clean: Sustainable Practices in Modern Homes

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 16 May 2018 11:55

Environmentally friendly features are on the rise in new home construction, following with the green trend as we all make an effort to preserve the environment around us. Sustainable options for building supplies and energy saving technology within the home have become a standard request for contractors and builders- and it doesn’t come at the cost of your home design. Not only do these options minimize environmental impact, in many cases they save homeowners money, either up front or in the long run. Below are a few of the most common eco-friendly options that people are including as they design their homes.

Energy Star Appliances

For many homeowners, the kitchen is the focal point of their home, the location where they entertain and prepare family meals. Energy Star appliances are known not only for their sleek and modern look, but also for the green standard they uphold. With water and energy saving technology, these appliances reduce everyday use of these resources and lead to lower bills.

Modern Insulation

Old houses are notorious for being drafty and cold in the winter, a trait sometimes blamed on restless spirits or spooky stories. The real culprit is much more earthly- old insulation. Housing insulation has drastically improved in recent years, and in new houses this insulation means that both heat and air conditioning are effectively contained within the home rather than escaping out through walls and the roof. Homeowners enjoy a more temperature controlled home and lower energy bills.

Sustainable Building Supplies

One of the more recent developments in eco-friendly construction is the use of ethically sourced building material. Rather than cutting down more trees and purchasing fresh lumber, builders have begun to use reclaimed wood for home detailing and flooring, as well as using sustainable forests when reclaimed wood is unavailable.

Reflective Roofing Materials

Rather than allowing the roof to bake in the sun and by extension heat the house, modern roofing materials attempt to divert heat away from the home through reflective material, therefore increasing the overall efficiency of the heating and cooling system.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats take the guesswork and effort out of low energy heating and cooling. This technology allows homeowners to preset their heating and cooling systems for predetermined temperatures during different times of day. For instance, keeping the house cool while the entire household is at work is a waste of energy. A programmable thermostat allows homeowners to specify that they will be home at a certain time and the cooling or heating system will kick in accordingly to ensure that when they walk through the door the house is comfortable- rather than having to maintain a cooler or warmer temperature than necessary all day.

Eco-friendly options for homeowners have expanded dramatically over the past couple of decades. The push to provide green options and preserve the environment by creating sustainable homes has become much more mainstream, but it doesn’t mean compromising on your home. Designing your dream space is a completely attainable goal- while maintaining sustainable environmental practices.

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