Sustainability in real estate is a topic that needs a lot more discussion, but there are developers and buyers out there who want to buy homes that minimize their carbon footprint, and cause the least harm to the environment as possible.
With this in mind, here are 5 features of a modern, eco-friendly home, and if you’re seeking to reduce your carbon footprint and live in a cleaner, greener way, they are all worth considering:
Designed to last as much as 20 times longer than standard forms of lighting such as incandescent or halogen bulbs, when you choose energy efficient LED lighting for your home, not only are you helping to reduce your energy bills, but you’re making an eco-friendly choice, too.
2. Solar panels
While having a solar system installed is a significant investment, it can help power your home without having to rely on harmful fossil fuels, and homeowners typically see a return on their investment in a matter of years. Solar panels help you lower your carbon footprint, lower your electricity bills, and even help you sell your home for more.
3. Geothermal heating and cooling system
In much the same way as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling depends entirely on nature, and by collecting the consistent temperature below ground, they go on to heat or cool the building above it. Reducing greenhouse emissions by as much as 70%, this eco-friendly feature has other benefits, too:
4. Energy-efficient appliances
Energy efficient appliances that carry the appropriate labelling to prove their efficiency, are a hotly desired feature for modern home buyers. Using a lot less energy to do what their electricity guzzling counterparts do; they can save you a lot of money on your energy bills and take you one step closer to achieving carbon neutrality.
5. A smart temperature system
It can make a big difference to swap the thermostat in your home for a smart one, which gives far more detailed data related to your household’s energy expenditure. With a more accurate insight into how much money you’re spending on gas or electricity every month, you’re able to adjust it accordingly, and ideally, save money. In addition, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely, something that those commuting for long distances will benefit from immensely.
It isn’t always cheap to make eco-friendly choices when powering your home, but it’s always worth it in the long run. Why not start by replacing all of your light fixtures with eco-friendly ones, and at a later date – when funds allow for it – progress to having a money saving, carbon footprint reducing, solar panel system installed.
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