Basic Features of a Green Home
You’ve probably heard of green houses and wondered what makes them unique from other homes. What are green features exactly? Here are some things you should look for when buying a green home. These features include low-E windows, energy-efficient appliances, water efficient fixtures, and native plants. You can also choose to build your house entirely from sustainable materials such as recycled glass or wood. Once they are in place, you can begin saving money on your utility bills.
Low-E windows
One of the most basic features of a green home is the use of Low-E windows. Low-E windows are made from glass that has been treated with a specialized low e coating. These windows reflect solar heat away. These windows are most beneficial in hot climates where there is little to no cooling. Low-E windows are made with high-quality glass and a double-silver coating at the window’s outer edges. Low-E windows may have caused vinyl siding to melt, according to some homeowners. Low-E windows have an intense heat reflectivity that can cause a burning sensation.
Energy-efficient appliances
You might be wondering what energy-efficient appliances offer. The obvious benefits are money savings and planet’s health. Most appliances that use energy-efficient technology use ten to fifty percent less energy than their traditional counterparts. They can also reduce your monthly electricity bills. Read on to learn more about energy-efficient appliances and how they can help you save money.
Water-efficient fixtures
In addition to using less water, green homes often have water-efficient fixtures, such as toilets. Low-flow fixtures are known to reduce indoor water usage by as much as 30%. They have made significant improvements over the years. Once they were known for leaking and delivering low water pressures, today’s low flow fixtures are more efficient than ever. The Energy Star label on appliances also guarantees water-efficiency.
Native plants
It is easy to add beauty and charm to your landscape by using native plants. Native plants are also appropriate for the plant hardiness zones in your area, and they use fewer inputs than non-native varieties. They provide shelter and food for wildlife, and also provide food and shelter to pollinators. You can find a variety of resources for choosing appropriate native plants for your Virginia backyard.
Energy-efficient lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is one of the most important components of a green home. An average household spends approximately $1,900 annually on energy bills. This could be reduced by as much as $450 per year by switching over to more energy-efficient lighting products. Light switches get their electricity from nearby power stations, which burn fossil fuels. This contributes to climate change. Fossil fuels also contain air pollutants that can pollute our atmosphere.