With the climate crisis getting worse every year, many homes are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The average American household produces around 2.4–2.9 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year.
Energy consumption is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Environmentally friendly homes combat this by making sustainable changes to their energy usage.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the key ways you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Features of an eco friendly home
Energy-efficient appliances
The total amount of energy that appliances consume is one of the biggest contributors to carbon footprints. One of the easiest changes to make is swapping out lightbulbs for energy-efficient bulbs or LEDs.
You can also look at upgrading to energy-efficient alternatives for your dishwasher and washing machine. Green homes also have energy-efficient refrigerators and HVAC systems.
Another eco-friendly habit to incorporate into your home is turning off appliances when you’re not using them.
Solar systems
One of the most popular features of eco-friendly homes are solar panels. This way, you produce your own electricity, so you reduce the demand for power generated by fossil fuels.
An added bonus of a solar system for your home is its impact on your energy bills. Since you’re not paying for as much electricity from a power company, your utility bill decreases.
Solar systems are easily installed in your home. Contact your local company for more information.
Materials and design of your home
Houses built with sustainably sourced materials are better for the environment. Using repurposed or recycled wood is an example of a sustainable alternative.
Maximize your natural lighting to reduce the need for lightbulbs during the day. Even the paints and decor you choose can be environmentally friendly.
Everything that builds or goes into your home has an impact on the environment, so choose materials that produce less harm.
Eco-conscious landscaping
Eco-friendly houses also have eco-friendly gardens. Reducing your home’s carbon footprint also includes reducing your waste, one of which is water. Remove water-wasting plants from your garden.
Some homeowners even invest in planting crops in their gardens. This reduces your consumption of mass-produced plants and crops.
Good insulation
Heating and cooling are some of the biggest users of electricity in a residential home. Design your home so that it doesn’t require as much energy to heat it in winter and cool it in summer. This way, you will drastically reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Smart thermostats are also an option in an eco-friendly home. These thermostats are energy efficient because they automatically alter temperatures during certain hours. For example, the middle of the day and night do not need the same temperature control as in the mornings and evenings.
Incorporating the features of environmentally friendly homes
Environmentally friendly homes are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. By making a few small changes, you’re able to drastically reduce your harm to the environment.
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