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Today’s new homes emphasize beauty, comfort and energy-efficiency. Green technology is available in building materials, HVAC equipment, lighting, plumbing, and every other component of a new home. The emphasis in this guide is on combining beauty with energy efficiency. Here are 5 ways to make your new home beautiful and efficient.
Downsize
Some homeowners don’t want to hear this, but it makes a lot of sense for both the beauty and the efficiency aspect. A smaller home will require a smaller heating and air conditioning system. That smaller HVAC system will use less energy. You’ll save money on utilities and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, when you downsize on construction, you’ll have more money to add the decorative touches you want in order to beautify your new home.
Home planners today are focusing on building smaller, energy-efficient homes that make much better use of the space. The fact is, if you downsize your plan from 2,200 square feet to 1,500 square feet, for example, you’ll get just as much utility from that smaller home when it is properly designed. This is a growing field and the way designers and builders are getting more from less is very exciting.
Use LED Lighting
Not long ago, most LED lighting looked very institutional. The demand for energy-efficient lighting has changed that and you can find low-cost, highly efficient LED light fixtures in the types and styles you want. You’ll find beautiful options for overhead fixtures, recessed lighting, track lighting, over/under cabinet lighting, lamps, etc. You’ll reduce your utility bill too.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Choose Energy Star qualified appliances for your home and you’ll reduce energy use by up to 40% when cooking, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, etc. Upgraded appliances such as a tankless Water Heaters not only help you save money on energy costs, but will also add more room when the old tank is removed. Energy-saving appliances are available in all the attractive colors and styles you’ll want to grace your kitchen or laundry area.
Choose a Gas Insert over Wood in the Fireplace
Traditional wood fireplaces are a major source of heat loss in a home and are also a safety concern and pollution problem. An energy-efficient gas insert can be very beautiful, safe, and energy efficient. You can even use it to heat your den or bedroom as you sit and enjoy the dancing flames.
Make Use of Natural Light
Beautiful, efficient homes rely less on electric lighting and more on natural lighting. Improvements in window design and placement have made this possible, along with Energy Star windows of all types, shapes and sizes. Double-hung, casement, picture, bay or bow, portal windows, and other types are all very attractive and are properly designed to reduce heat loss in winter and heat infiltration in summer. Skylights are also part of this trend and can dramatically reduce the need for electric lighting in some areas of your home.
The trend in home building is toward energy efficiency while maintaining or even enhancing the beauty of the home. Before you settle on any home plans, go to the local home show and explore the possibilities. Talk about your options with builders who specialize in green construction and efficient homes that can be stunningly beautiful.
Visit the Tankless Water Heaters where we can give you ideas on how to live greener and take advantage of energy efficient products.