Because the sun is lower in winter than it is in summer, the right amount of roof overhang will block harsh rays in summer while letting the light in during winter. Therefore, a taller and more compact house is generally more energy-efficient than a low and wide structure with the same number of square feet. Similarly, cubes and spheres are more efficient than more irregular, spread out shapes. Transform your space into the home of your dreams with trusted Interior Decorators from Angi. When choosing a location for an eco-friendly home, it’s important to consider the climate of the area. Rainwater harvesting is another effective method for conserving water in the home.

• They’re generally powered by gas or electricity, but these systems are not commonly pre-installed in homes in the United States, as tankless water heating has only been readily available in the past decade or two.
• These compounds are emitted into the air as gasses and contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens that can cause both short-term and long-term health issues to humans and the environment.

How Can Construction Be Environmentally Friendly?

Before buying new, look around on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, in Buy Nothing groups, or at local thrift stores and antique stores. Wittig says you’ll likely find something close to what you’re looking for (or something you didn’t even know you needed!), saving you money and keeping waste out of landfills. Federally mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, low-flow plumbing fixtures are designed to achieve water savings by having a lower flow rate of water or a smaller quantity per flush. As it is, toilets consume up to 30% of the total water used in a home, with some wasting more than 13 liters per flush. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.

Incorporate some of nature’s greenest building materials as insulation

We’ve all heard the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle, and there should be no exception when improving a home. New construction and renovations typically create unnecessary waste — and lots of it. In most cases, there’s a disconnect between where materials for your home come from and where they go when you no longer need them. Many homeowners don’t know that outfitting (or in some cases even building) a home with repurposed or reclaimed materials can offset a tremendous amount of waste while saving money in the process. And there you have it – an overview of more than thirty green housing materials ranging from structural elements to exterior finishes to alternative energy sources. Learn more about sustainable design by picking up one of these books on the topic.

Use of Regenerative and Eco-Friendly Materials

When you are shopping around for new appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens look for those that are the most energy efficient. These products have the Energy Star logo right on them and will give you all the information you need. Many of these large appliances, especially the upscale refrigerators, generate a lot of electricity. For many people these high-end appliances are not only cost prohibitive initially, but they will end up costing a great deal more to run as well.

Reduce Heat Transfer By Adding Insulation

• With project timelines significantly reduced, fewer materials are used, and less energy is consumed resulting in a reduced carbon impact for the project.
• Then there’s always the option to use recycled, reclaimed or sustainably-sourced wood.
• Blower door tests determine how energy efficient your home is by measuring how much air is entering and escaping your home.
• Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
• Not only does it produce its own power, but it also has an incredibly robust building envelope and design intended to minimize required energy usage.

Remember, transitioning to an eco-friendly home is a step towards a sustainable future, and every small change counts. So, let’s make those changes confidently, knowing they’re good for both our homes and our planet. Renovations present a unique opportunity to make your home greener, creating environments that combine aesthetics and practicality with environmental consciousness. Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacturing of things like paints, pharmaceuticals and refrigerants.

Implementing fixtures that reduce water use, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, and setting up rainwater harvesting systems can significantly impact. EnergyGuide labels will show an appliance’s average annual energy consumption and operating cost so that you can compare them to your current model. Additionally, appliances controlled by smart electric meters or home energy management systems can adjust their operations according to your usage patterns or energy demand to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. During the summer months when you need to keep your home cool, pulling curtains over your windows can ease the burden on your air conditioner. If you’re shopping for curtains, keep in mind that light colors will reflect the most sunlight from entering your home. Though you’ll likely need to use your home’s lights more often with curtains, keeping your home cool will save more energy than keeping it lit (especially if you’re using energy-efficient light bulbs).

Incorporate water-saving fixtures

Consider using organic mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. You can also incorporate rain gardens or permeable paving to manage stormwater naturally. Antique shops and consignment shops are great places to visit for items such as doorknobs,  light fixtures and even mantels. Not only does this help your bottom line, but these repurposed items will add a charm and warmth to your home that simply cannot be replicated by their newer counterparts. Ever noticed that “delay” button on your dishwasher and wondered why you’d ever want to use it? If you set it to start during your electric company’s “off-peak hours” (usually the middle of the night), you’ll be reducing peak energy demand on the grid.

Take a look at our wrap up of the different types of eco-friendly insulation for more. However, insulation has traditionally been made from hazardous, toxic how to make your home more environmentally friendly materials which have a range of negative impacts on the environment. There are a few different types of geothermal heating, but all use a buried or submerged “loop field”, typically made of polyethylene tubing. There are both open and closed-loop systems, but these essentially work in the same way by bringing the heat energy stored in the soil or groundwater to your home via these tubes. Most smart home systems also allow you to monitor the amount of energy you use, helping you to live more efficiently and use less electricity.

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This can lead to poor indoor air quality and potential health problems for those exposed. As you make home improvements, consider using non-toxic paints and finishes that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. These devices allow you to control your heating and cooling systems remotely, often through a smartphone app, providing precise climate management.