By Harden Custom Homes 06 Aug 2015
A “Green” house helps the environment by reducing its energy consumption. These options are becoming more and more popular, as they not only help the environment but also help save in the cost of living in the house. Here are five features that have become more popular in the past few years for green construction, and might be something you want to consider for your new custom home.
Framing and Insulation
A house’s energy efficiency is dependent on the way it is framed and insulated. Leaving voids that can be packed with insulation, and being sure to put quality insulation wherever possible as the house is being constructed is the foundation of energy efficiency. A well-insulated house will reduce heat transfer and help maintain internal temperatures, which in turn will reduce the energy required in temperature control through air conditioning.
Plumbing
Water conservation is another important feature of a Green home, especially in Florida where the shallow water tables are at such risk of saltwater intrusion. Decisions made while the house is being built about plumbing to help with water efficiency, such as on-demand circulation systems or flow-reduction faucets and showerheads, will help make the home more efficient when it is complete.
Windows
Modern technology has allowed the creation of amazing windows that manage to prevent virtually all heat transfer. These windows allow you to open up the house to a bright modern look without gaining traditional drafts and heat zones.
Lighting
One of the easiest ways to make a house more Green is to install energy-saving light bulbs. This style of lightbulb has improved dramatically over the past few years, and they now offer many types of illumination as well as a long lifespan and increased savings in energy cost. Couple that with the automation of the next feature, and the home will be even more efficient.
Automation
With growing computer technology, home automation is becoming more and more cost effective and more and more efficient in helping make houses Green. By programming the home to control when and where your lighting and appliances are turned on, you can now better control your energy usage and make it far more efficient. Maybe the air conditioning doesn’t need to be so low when you’re gone all day, but it can turn itself down when you’re on your way home.
Green technology has been becoming more and more prevalent in the past few years as it has become more cost effective and powerful. Building a new home with green technology is very easy, and although the upfront cost may be slightly more, it should help save through the lifetime of your new home.
If you have any questions about your new home construction or about using green technology, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes today at (239) 603-6083 or stop in at our Model Home at 2818 Topicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.
Framing and Insulation
A house’s energy efficiency is dependent on the way it is framed and insulated. Leaving voids that can be packed with insulation, and being sure to put quality insulation wherever possible as the house is being constructed is the foundation of energy efficiency. A well-insulated house will reduce heat transfer and help maintain internal temperatures, which in turn will reduce the energy required in temperature control through air conditioning.
Plumbing
Water conservation is another important feature of a Green home, especially in Florida where the shallow water tables are at such risk of saltwater intrusion. Decisions made while the house is being built about plumbing to help with water efficiency, such as on-demand circulation systems or flow-reduction faucets and showerheads, will help make the home more efficient when it is complete.
Windows
Modern technology has allowed the creation of amazing windows that manage to prevent virtually all heat transfer. These windows allow you to open up the house to a bright modern look without gaining traditional drafts and heat zones.
Lighting
One of the easiest ways to make a house more Green is to install energy-saving light bulbs. This style of lightbulb has improved dramatically over the past few years, and they now offer many types of illumination as well as a long lifespan and increased savings in energy cost. Couple that with the automation of the next feature, and the home will be even more efficient.
Automation
With growing computer technology, home automation is becoming more and more cost effective and more and more efficient in helping make houses Green. By programming the home to control when and where your lighting and appliances are turned on, you can now better control your energy usage and make it far more efficient. Maybe the air conditioning doesn’t need to be so low when you’re gone all day, but it can turn itself down when you’re on your way home.
Green technology has been becoming more and more prevalent in the past few years as it has become more cost effective and powerful. Building a new home with green technology is very easy, and although the upfront cost may be slightly more, it should help save through the lifetime of your new home.
If you have any questions about your new home construction or about using green technology, be sure to contact Harden Custom Homes today at (239) 603-6083 or stop in at our Model Home at 2818 Topicana Pkwy W., Cape Coral, FL 33993.
