Whether building a new home or remodeling an existing one, there are many options that you can choose to make your house more eco-friendly.
Reducing your home energy usage can be an effective way to reduce your home’s contribution to climate change, and to save money. An energy audit, performed by a qualified home performance contractor, can help determine the best course of action. The auditor will review energy bills, insulation, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems and appliances to determine how much energy your home consumes, and where energy is wasted.
Replacing old windows, changing to ENERGY STAR® lightbulbs, installing smart thermostats, and buying ENERGY STAR® appliances can all save energy and money.
Electronic faucets and dual-flush toilets can go a long way towards saving water. EPA.gov says that leaks in the average household waste about 10,000 gallons per year and that fixing these leaks could save many families 10% of their water bill.
You can also consider using recycled materials when building an environmentally friendly home. Paper-based countertops made from tree pulp managed forests, carpets made from recycled plastic bottles, and floor tiles made from used wine corks are just a few of the things available today.
If you’re planning to build a new house, consider some of the interesting sustainable alternatives in home building.