Key Features of Eco Homes For Sale
With the growing awareness of climate change, energy-efficient homes are becoming a necessity. Alternative energy sources like solar power and windmills are gaining ground. Moreover, building eco-friendly houses are pretty trendy these days, owing to the fact that it leads to saving energy bills, as well as making a comfortable and healthy environment for the user.
All homes can be made more energy-efficient through upgrades and modifications. Although features vary depending on the home's age and its construction type, there are some common features that most eco homes for sale share.
Solar Panels
If you're looking to boost your home's eco-cred and save money on monthly electric bills at the same time, installing solar panels is definitely a great idea. The solar power generated is fed into the primary power supply system to be distributed to all places where energy is needed.
The excess energy is then fed back into the electrical grid and can be drawn from there when required. A solar energy system can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels for energy by as much as 50% and also lower your energy costs by at least 15%.
Eco-friendly materials
Eco-friendly materials are environmentally friendly to produce, use and dispose of without generating too many solid wastes. Toxic wastes are usually associated with the production of building materials like plastic or cement, while eco-friendly materials do not emit any toxic waste in their production processes.
In addition, they are biodegradable and can help improve the soil condition in your yard and garden after they have been disposed of. High-quality eco-friendly building materials include recycled plastic lumber, soybean oil-based paints, bamboo flooring, recycled paper insulation, and so on.
A green roof or a rain garden with plants that absorb rainwater runoff is another way to reduce water consumption in an eco home. These items will offer several advantages while helping you build your dream home and make it last longer.
Unconventional Insulation & Shape
Recycled paper insulation will help reduce your heating costs by keeping your floors warmer for longer periods each year and reducing the need for air conditioning in warmer weather.
This insulation prevents heat loss or gains through pores within a wall, roof or floor system - doing so reduces the need for windows or doors to maintain a constant temperature. It also removes moisture from inside your home and can reduce airborne sound – leading to lower heating costs and making your home calmer and more comfortable.
In addition, the shape of your house can really impact how energy efficient it is. The ambient airflow inside a geodesic dome is continuous, with no stagnant corners, requiring less energy to circulate air and maintain even temperatures. The energy required to heat and cool a dome is approximately 30% less than a conventional building. Domes also have a high volume-to-surface-area ratio, requiring less building materials to enclose more space.
Energy-efficient Appliances
Most eco homes for sale come equipped with energy-efficient appliances, including power-saving refrigerators, room air conditioners, water heaters, and washers and dryer machines. In addition, many governments and utility companies are providing generous rebates for installing energy-efficient appliances. These use less energy than comparable conventional models, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help people save money on energy bills.