You want to avoid too many windows facing west, which will give lots of glare and provide heat in the summer. If you have windows facing west, you can plant a large tree to block some uncomfortable sunlight. This includes designing the house for the best orientation to the sun, specifically for windows and solar panels, for maximum heat and light. “In the north, we orient most of the living space (great room, kitchen, dining) to the southern exposure, with most windows on this side of the home,” says Homa. The Energy Star label was created to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants caused by inefficient use of energy and is backed by the U.S.

Sustainable home improvements – 8 ways to make your home more energy efficient

• However, suppose a person is trapped and can not leave their toxic environment.
• ‘In both cases, energy from the sun is collected via panels, usually on the roof, then converted,’ explains Christian Engelke, technical director at Viessmann.
• These devices are designed to use less power without compromising performance.
• This will be the beginning of behaviorally controlling something that one actually has the ability to control.
• If you want to learn more, you can see another post we wrote explaining the Five Key Principles of Passive House Design.

Check under your cabinets and you might be surprised to find evidence of small but steady drips. What a difference taking care of such little leaks can make on your water use. A quick audit of all water sources throughout the home (and fixing whatever you find!) preserves your belongings from mold and water damage and is good for the planet too. Avoid fast fashion, which contributes huge amounts of pollution and chemicals. Keep clothes longer by washing them carefully, purchasing quality goods, and not buying items on a whim. And if your favorite hoodie has a hole, consider mending it yourself instead of tossing it.

Opt For Local House Repairs

Rainwater collection systems can range from simple rain barrel installations to more complex systems comprising cisterns for whole-house usage. If you’re thinking about installing such a system, getting professional help with activities like gutter adjustments and barrel installs can be useful. Adopting this strategy enhances outdoor water conservation and adds favorably https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to sustainable living. Transitioning to plant-based replacements for meat, dairy, and eggs is one of the holistic ways to make your home eco friendly, reducing carbon emissions tied to animal agriculture. Furthermore, food production occupies roughly half of the world’s available land, with animal-derived goods accounting for a significant amount of these emissions.

green ways to transform your house into an eco home

Think about your needs and try not to go overboard with the size of your house. The first is choosing the best materials, including long-lasting materials that withstand wear and use. “Things like hardwood floors or well-built cabinetry that won’t have to be replaced in a few years,” says Homa. Or opt for materials that work harder to protect the home, like cool roof shingles that reflect heat in especially sunny areas.

Invest in solar panels

• Inefficient layouts can still benefit from a tight building enclosure, and making smart material selections isn’t negated by not having solar energy.
• Make sure you read the labels closely and look for non-toxic, biodegradable products in recyclable containers.
• These houses have an average size of 186 square feet and are extremely efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
• Before becoming a home writer, Meghan worked in the fashion industry for two years, writing for Harper’s Bazaar after graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising.
• Addressing these issues as soon as possible not only saves water but may help prevent more serious plumbing problems in the future.
• If you prefer wallpaper, choosing eco-friendly brands assures that you are making an environmentally responsible option.
• Simply put, it’s a healthy and safe place to call home while you are in recovery.

With easy ways to be eco-friendly during a vacation here, tourists can minimize their carbon footprint and positively impact while enjoying the historic charm and natural beauty that Forest Hills Gardens offers. Opt for cloud-based services that are optimized for energy efficiency. These services typically use less energy than traditional on-premise software solutions. Moreover, some cloud providers are committed to using renewable energy to power their data centers, further reducing their environmental impact.

Buy energy-efficient kitchen appliances

For instance, this home, Hidden Rocks Ranch in Placerville, Colorado, has air-conditioning powered by “a state-of-the-art solar ‘power plant’ with two large Kohler diesel backup generators.” It goes without saying that while hardwood floors are not recommended for underfloor heating, engineered wooden floors work brilliantly, bringing warmth to your feet. Smart technology can also How to make your home more environmentally friendly help cut down on your home’s energy consumption. Lowe consistently recommends smart thermostat controls to her clients and new homeowners alike. “You’ll be able to adjust your temperature settings when you’re away, and some smart thermostats track your energy consumption so you stay on track,” adds Rodriguez. They need to have proper weather stripping to keep out the elements.

Most homeowners aren’t aware of how much money they waste on heating their homes during the winter months. The primary reason behind this is that most of the heat naturally dissipates from the walls, windows, ceilings, and even the floors of your home. “Think about water-conserving faucets and toilets, smart appliances that maximize energy and water performance, and other features that make living more sustainably even easier,” he says. If you’re working with a designer to build a brand-new home, it’s imperative to employ passive design, which reduces a house’s ecological footprint by using the local climate and landscape to its advantage.

• With a wide range of natural and recycled materials available, from sheep’s wool to cellulose insulation, it’s relatively simple to insulate lofts and cavity walls.
• Smart heating controls offer more options for managing home heating systems and are available for all types of heating, including electric storage heating.
• Without knowing it, most homeowners opt for oil-based paints for decorating their homes as they are more readily available and might be a cheaper option.
• Park Slope is one of the greenest neighborhoods in New York City that serves as a shining example of eco-friendliness within the urban sprawl of the Big Apple.

Transporting local materials will generate fewer emissions compared to supplies that need to come from across the country or even across the world. When it comes to sustainable house design, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose the right location. Read on for 16 sustainable house design tips to make your home as eco-friendly as possible. When it comes to furniture, going for designs made with reclaimed materials, or picking upcycled pieces is one option.

Install Energy-Efficient Lights