Green Homes Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
Whether you’re looking for a new home or an upgrade, there are several ways to go green. In this article, you’ll learn more about Passive house construction, ENERGY STAR certification, and Energy efficient plumbing fixtures. These options will allow you to build an energy-efficient home in a matter of months, instead of years. And, you’ll see the difference in cost. Green homes can be more affordable than you think.
ENERGY STAR
If you are considering purchasing a new Nelson Homes VA, you may be wondering if it has earned the ENERGY STAR for green homes certification. This program recognizes homes that are more energy-efficient than the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. This certification is given by a third-party organization, the Green Building Initiative. It is based on a program developed by the Columbia Association of Homebuilders. A home that earns this certification has been tested and certified as being 15 percent more energy-efficient than a typical home built today.
Passive house
Architects are beginning to see the benefits of incorporating Passive House design into their designs. The practice was first popularized in Europe in the 1980s and has gained traction in North America. The goal is to reduce the ecological footprint and improve energy efficiency of buildings. Passive House standards are particularly suitable for green homes. They can reduce a building’s heating and cooling bills by up to 50% and increase the interior air quality.
Energy-efficient kit homes
There are many benefits to energy-efficient kit homes. For one, they use less energy than a standard house. These homes are much more comfortable throughout the year and are designed with lower hers indexes. They can be built by the average homeowner. These homes are also more affordable than traditional homes. These homes also have larger floor areas than you might think. If you’d like to learn more, read on. This article will provide some information about these kits.
Energy-efficient plumbing fixtures
In addition to helping the environment, installing energy-efficient plumbing fixtures can also save you money. While it’s always best to switch to high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in your entire home, there are some things you can do to get the most bang for your buck. For example, you can install low-flow faucets and showerheads. These systems can reduce water consumption by as much as 20% – which will save you approximately $380 per year!
Reusing old materials
Reusing old building materials can make a huge impact on the environment. Bricks, wood cutoffs, glass panels, and other building components can be reused and cost less than you would pay to replace them. Recycling materials is more efficient, too, requiring less energy and resources to complete the process. This technique is becoming increasingly popular because it is so easy to do. Read on to learn how you can start reusing old materials in your green home.