Going green can sound a little intimidating to some homeowners. With so many eco-friendly options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some green suggestions on how to build energy efficient custom homes.
This goes for people already settled into their home as well as those working on home construction.
No matter which stage you’re at, you can help the environment with simple, effective changes. You just need a little push in the right direction.
Get on the Roof
Is the roof over your head just providing shelter or making a difference? Use it to make your home more energy efficient with the help of solar panels. Solar panels take in energy from the sun to fuel the electrical systems inside the house. They bask in as much light as they can from the roof and then distribute the energy they consume. Solar panels can cost a bit to install. But they are worth every penny in the long run.
Work on Your Windows
When thinking about how to build an energy efficient home, consider upgrading your windows. As windows age, so do their moulding. Old moulding cracks the insulation, meaning more air is getting out and coming into your home. Such a change in the regular flow of things can cause havoc with your HVAC. Keep everything under control with upgraded windows. Some are even meant to work better in certain weather conditions. For example, if you see a lot of cold weather, look for windows that insulate heat to stay inside the home. It can ease your heating system’s workload, saving a significant amount of energy and money.
Change the Lighting
Incandescent light bulbs take up more energy than you might think. Instead of opting for these outdated fixtures, use LED or CFL bulbs instead. These bulbs are made with energy efficiency in mind. They tend to be stronger and last longer, all while cutting your energy consumption significantly.
Plant More Trees
Sometimes, understanding how to build an energy efficient home has less to do with the house itself and more with the landscape. Try planting more trees and shrubs around the yard. These will offset the energy you use inside.
One way the balance is achieved is through shading. Shading casts a shadow over certain areas of your home to help windows and HVAC systems do their job with less energy. It works in the summer as well as the winter.
Windbreaks are another benefit of better landscaping. They reduce the speed of wind that hits your home – the lower the speed, the better insulated everything will be.
