Whether it’s buying a car, the clothes you wear, or the house you live in, today’s buzz is all about going green and living a green life. There are some obvious benefits to going green, like being less wasteful, saving money, saving energy, and health benefits, not to mention that it can make you feel good knowing you’re doing something good for the earth. One of the problems that people looking for green house plans face is that it’s hard to know what really counts as green when looking at various house plans. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can find the real deal on greenhouse plans:
Look for smaller house plans. The bigger the house, the more energy it will consume. Even with all possible energy saving techniques, a larger house uses more energy than a smaller house. To have a house that is as efficient as possible, build a house as big as it takes for your family. Custom home plans can be created to meet the needs of your family and not waste space.
Consider where you build the house. Building a house on the side of a mountain or in an open field is a beautiful idea, however, it is probably not the most ecological idea. Instead, build your house near other existing houses and developed areas. This is the least harmful to the environment surrounding the home. Fewer trees will have to be felled and less ground will have to be uprooted. Plus, if you live closer to others, it will be easier to carpool, bike, or take public transportation, saving you even more money.
Seek natural light. The house must be strategically placed so that it can take advantage of natural light. During daylight hours, most of the light should come from natural daylight rather than lamps and bulbs. Windows and skylights can help reduce energy costs. Insulated double glazed windows will reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter months. Overhangs on the south and west facing house facades will help to avoid too much heat in the summer months.
Ceiling. A light-colored roof will reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it, helping to keep your home cooler. This is a good green option for new and existing homes. Another roofing idea is a green roof that is fully or partially covered by a layer of soil and vegetation. This type of roof protects from direct sunlight and acts as additional insulation.
isolation. Look for high R-value insulation, the higher the R-value, the more effective it is as insulation. Avoid insulations that contain formaldehyde as a binding agent. Look for insulation made from soy, cotton, cellulose, or recycled content. A properly insulated home can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your home.
Reduce energy use. When shopping for appliances for a new or existing home, look for appliances that are Energy Star rated. Efficient heating and cooling systems will save you energy and money. Installed a programmable thermostat. You may also consider installing solar panels or a geothermal heating system as ways to bring energy into the house to heat water and provide heating and cooling throughout the house. Some homes that use solar panels and geothermal energy can stay completely off the power grid. Install ceiling fans and use them as often as possible instead of air conditioning, which can save you 30% on cooling costs.
Construction materials. All construction materials used must be non-toxic. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) evaporate quickly at room temperature and add to indoor air pollution. Look for low or VOC-free paints, finishes, adhesives and sealants. Use as many natural products that are rapidly renewable, like bamboo, as possible. You may also consider using recycled materials or materials with recycled components, including reclaimed wood.
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a home plan that fits your needs and includes all the green features. Any green features you incorporate into your green home plans help reduce your demand on nature and help save resources. Be aware of the eco-friendly options out there and determine which one can best be used in your home.