With modern advancements in home renovation technology, the demand for eco-friendly home features is at an all-time high.
The modern eco-house is the epitome of this progress — a culmination of decades of research, technology, and advancement in custom building practices. Eco-houses are homes designed with custom features to be as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.
Yet these advanced options have not always been so readily available to the average consumer. So what can you, the conscientious homeowner, do to improve the features of the home you already own?
Eco-Houses and You
The good news is there’s a lot that can be done to elevate your home to the levels of efficiency common to eco-houses. An experienced custom builder can help you to upgrade your home with the latest eco-friendly features.
Here are just a few of the eco-friendly renovations to consider for your home:
Extra Insulation
One of the most effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to upgrade its insulation. Insulation is a barrier that helps prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home, which means that it can reduce the energy required to heat or cool your home. By adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your heating and cooling bills.
The benefits of improved insulation go far beyond energy savings; it can also do wonders to improve the comfort of your home, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, all while reducing noise pollution from the outside year-round.
Energy-Efficient Windows
In the same way, upgrading your windows to more energy-efficient models can make a big difference in your home’s energy consumption. Energy-efficient windows are a staple of eco-houses. They’re built with insulated layers and materials designed to reduce heat loss during the winter months and prevent heat gain during the summer months.
The greenhouse effect is an unfortunate side effect of most traditional windows, as the view often comes with the price of a much larger AC bill. Eco-friendly window installations are a great way to have your windows and enjoy them too! They even tend to be made with sturdier materials, effectively reducing your maintenance costs over time.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the first things people think of when they hear about eco-houses, and for good reason. Solar panels are a great way to generate clean energy and reduce your home’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The technology behind these installations has come a long way in the last few years. Now more than ever, solar panels are a viable option for homeowners in terms of both efficiency and affordability.
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, which you can use to help power your home. Not only will they effectively reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also put money back in your pocket by lowering your energy costs and increasing the long-term value of your home.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a reliable way to reduce your home’s energy consumption. Eco-friendly appliances are designed to achieve the same result with less draw on power or resources.
Water-based appliances like dishwashers and washing machines use drastically less water than their traditional counterparts. Eco-friendly refrigerators and water heaters can maintain their desired temperatures with less draw on the power outlet.
Eco-houses are chock-full of these specialized devices, from their kitchens to the bathrooms. Not only are these appliances better for the environment, but they will also help to reduce your home’s various costs from month to month, from your power bill to your water bill.
Low-Flow Fixtures
Speaking of water bills, another great way to renovate your home in the spirit of eco-houses is to implement low-flow fixtures. Low-flow fixtures are plumbing features designed to use less water than traditional fixtures. These include everything from toilets to showerheads to faucets.
Toilets have long been one of the most wasteful water draws in any home. Whereas older toilet models use as much as six gallons for a single flush, low-flow toilets typically only use about a gallon and a half.
Other fixtures, like low-flow showerheads, are designed to limit the flow of water without sacrificing water pressure. Although low-flow fixtures may cost more upfront than traditional fixtures, they make for an excellent investment, reducing water bills significantly over time.
Discover Your Eco-house Today
Eco-houses are a marvel of modern technology and a heartwarming sign of our progress as a culture. More people than ever are conscientious of the effect their actions and belongings have on the environment, and we finally have the technology to do something about it.
If you’re one of the many homeowners interested in making a difference in both the environment and your wallet, VPC Builders has the renovation solutions to outfit your home for success. With our vast experience and access to the best eco-friendly technology available today, there’s no better team for the job.
Ready to upgrade your family home like the eco-houses of the future? Contact VPC Builders and learn more about our Green Building today.