Public awareness and concern for environmental degradation have increased in recent years. Many consider eco-friendliness critical in their daily lives and decisions. For example, many homebuyers want to buy eco-friendly houses. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to identify such houses. Below are some tips to help you spot an eco-friendly house.
Construction Material
Some materials are better for the environment than others. The eco-friendliness of construction materials depends on different factors, such as durability, recyclability, extraction or manufacturing processes, and energy efficiency.
For example, stone or rock is eco-friendly because it doesn't release toxins to the environment, it occurs naturally, is durable, and is recyclable or reusable. Therefore, a slate roof is eco-friendly. Confirm the construction materials are eco-friendly. You should especially assess the materials on major structures or parts of the roof, such as the siding, roofing, and flooring.
Construction Design
In addition to material choice, construction design also plays a role in eco-friendliness. For example, even a relatively energy-efficient roofing material won't make your house energy-efficient if the design allows heat to escape the house during winter. Again, multiple aspects of the design affect eco-friendliness.
For example, an eco-friendly design should encourage natural lighting to reduce energy use. The insulation should also be adequate to prevent undesirable heat gain or loss. Even the location of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) vents and registers matter since they determine airflow, which affects the HVAC's energy efficiency.
Nature of Utilities
The efficiencies and types of different utilities, such as plumbing, energy, and HVAC systems, matter. For one, an eco-friendly house should have efficient systems, such as low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.
In addition, proper design and installation of utility lines and appliances are also necessary. Lastly, most of the energy should come from renewable resources. For example, solar energy and geothermal heat pumps are more eco-friendly than fossil-fuel–based systems.
Structural Condition
The house's structural condition matters since wear and tear or damage affect a house's eco-friendliness. For example, a leaking roof is not as eco-friendly as an intact roof, since the former allows heated or air-conditioned air to escape the house. Thus, the building's envelope should be tight, and the plumbing, heating, cooling, or energy systems should not be defective.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you buy a home that won't significantly affect the environment. Inform your real estate agent about your concern for the environment; that way, the agent can help you purchase a house that fits your lifestyle.
Contact a local real estate service to learn more about eco-friendly housing.
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