As the cost of everything increases and the condition of our planet becomes more of a concern for homeowners, the demand for “green” or environmentally responsible, home features are in pique demand.
If you are considering purchasing or building a home, these have been voted some of the most sought-after "Green" home features that can be incorporated, according to the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
• Solar Energy – This can include solar roof tiles, solar panels, solar windows. These items all convert sunlight into usable energy to reduce your environmental impact, as well as energy costs.
• Tankless Water Heaters - Used to heat only the water that is required, when it is required. Traditional water heaters constantly heat and store the water, resulting in higher energy usage and costs. A tankless units can reduce energy use by 24-34%.
• Air Filtration Systems - Airborne diseases such as the common cold and flu are spread through tiny pathogens floating around. These can be captured by systems with HEPA filters. These appliances are designed to be highly efficient; therefore, reducing the use of fossil fuels and at the same time allowing the home occupants to breathe cleaner air.
• Green Irrigation Systems - Designed and incorporated with the reduced usage of water in mind. It all starts with choosing the right drought-resistant plants and grass. Although a well thought-out system can include natural water sources such as: ponds or rivers, or even a drip irrigation system where the water is delivered underground by pipes to the roots of the plants through water dripping into the soil surrounding the plants. This is claimed to be one of the best forms of green-irrigation as it drastically reduces water usage, and delivering it directly where it is needed.
• Smart Environmental Controls - Such as remote Thermostats or Pre-Programming. By setting the temperature and humidity levels in the home, you can prevent the excessive use of heating and cooling, resulting in more energy efficiency.
• Electric Vehicle Charging - Quickly becoming a standard in new homes, as the demand for Electric Vehicles continues to increase.
You can learn more about the benefits of green features here, or how to incorporate them into your new build here.
