HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

When shopping for a new home, it is critical to consider a lot of things. Does the layout meet your family's needs? Do you love the finishes in the house? Is it built with energy-efficient features?

Although all of these are important when finding your dream home, the latter might be the most essential to ensure this large investment is right for your family. 

An energy-efficient home will not only cut back on operating costs with lower energy and water bills, but these improvements also help reduce the environmental impact of a house significantly.

Here's a look at some features to look out for to find out if a home is adequately equipped to help you live a cleaner, healthier, more efficient life.

LED Lights

LED Lights have a longer lifespan than other types of lightbulbs. This helps cut costs on replacement bulbs and limits the amount of waste by changing them less frequently. 

Low E Windows

Low E Windows are coated with a thin, non-toxic coating to help improve their energy efficiency. This coating helps block infrared light from passing through and keeps the house's heating/ cooling inside. A home with Low E windows can reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bill by helping to regulate the house's internal temperate. 

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, don't heat and store water like traditional tanks; instead, they contain heating elements that only heat water when needed. This not only means that less energy will be used, but you also won't have to worry about running out of hot water in the middle of your shower! Tankless water heaters can provide your household energy savings as much as up to 34%. 

Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. These appliances use less energy than their non-energy star alternatives and help deliver cost savings to the households that incorporate these into their homes, some as much as $100 of savings in the first year alone. 

Foam insulation

Gaps, air holes, and leaks in your home can lead to considerably higher energy bills by letting temperature-regulated air out and outside air in. Foam insulation can help prevent this from occurring by filling these holes and gaps and acts as insulation and an air sealant.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that homes with foam insulation can save up to 20% on monthly energy bills. By reducing air infiltration, spray foam helps the HVAC operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing any comfort. 

 Energy-Efficient homes can help save you money and reduce your home's environmental impact. It is beneficial to find a home with these features included, saving you the time and money of installing them later.

As many of us are spending more time at home, it is important to think about the impact this has on your energy bills and how you can save money and conserve energy.