Today, more homeowners who are building houses are building green than ever before. They have looked over the differences between building green and using conventional materials and processes, and they’ve seen the many different reasons why green building is beneficial.There are a lot of costs that come with building a home and many more that come with maintaining it for years. Going green can reduce many of these costs, even if it does increase the upfront costs. Here are a number of the benefits you can take advantage of if you build green.
Health Benefits
For those with severe allergies or asthma, indoor air quality is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, many people never think about the quality of the air they’re breathing while at home, even though this is the air they’re breathing for a large portion of the day. Indoor air often contains dust mites, mold, dirt, dander, and more. All of this decreases the quality of the air and can make breathing more difficult for those who already struggle.
When builders use green materials, they can make sure that the home is being built with products that contain no pollutants or other chemicals. Certain paints, sealants, and other products emit few or no volatile organic compounds, improving the air quality. The end result is that you can literally breathe easier in a home that is built on eco-friendly principles.
Another benefit of certain green building materials is that they reduce the amount of excess moisture that gets trapped in the home. This, in turn, reduces the risk of mold and other fungi. The spores released from mold, especially black mold, can not only make asthma worse but can even cause those without any breathing difficulties to develop problems.
Cost Benefits
Many people want to know about the long-term cost benefits of going green. Green building isn’t always the cheapest option in the beginning, but it often has long-term savings that pay for the technology within a few years. Some of these green technologies save you money by reducing the amount of energy you use. For example, green homes are designed to make the most out of daylighting, which is the concept of lighting rooms using the natural sunlight that comes through windows rather than turning on lights. This helps to decrease your energy usage and can even help you relax since your eyes aren’t subjected to harsh lighting.
In addition to reducing the amount of energy you use to light up your home, you can also install energy-saving appliances. These include dishwashers, washers, and dryers. This is something you can do even if you’re not building your home, but by going green from the beginning, you’ll be able to take full advantage of all of the energy and cost savings. Using LED light bulbs is another excellent method of saving money.
In addition to methods that reduce the amount of energy you need, there are also green techniques you can use to generate your own power. Solar panels have become more affordable, more efficient, and less bulking over the years. This means it’s much easier to install them in new homes. This can help you reduce your reliance on the utility grid, saving money and the environment. Even if you’re not building a new home, you may be able to take advantage of new solar panel technology since today’s panels don’t require as much support as older, heavier ones did.
You can also use green building techniques to reduce your water bill. Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can reduce the amount of water you need while providing very little to no difference in use. They use water in more efficient ways, so less is required. Many green builders also plan out how to make the most out of plants, trees, and shrubs so that rainwater doesn’t stand in one area but instead flows to provide water to your landscaping.
Comfort Benefits
No one likes being uncomfortable in their own home, but that often means high heating bills in the winter and high cooling costs in the summer. In addition to using more electricity and/or natural gas, this also increases your carbon footprint. Fortunately, some building materials provide more insulation. Walls and windows that are energy-certified will help reduce drafts and keep your home more comfortable all year round. New air duct technology will make sure that air is circulated more effectively, eliminating spots that are too warm or too cold.
One thing many homeowners want is an HVAC system that is highly efficient, even if they do not use any other green building principles. These efficient heating and cooling systems help keep the home comfortable by running at specific times of the day. For example, it’s often cheaper to cool the home in the morning than it is to run during the afternoon on very hot days. With programmable thermostats, you can even teach your house to know your daily routine and stop heating or cooling when you’re not home.
If you’re going to build a new home, make the most of today’s green technology. While it may cost a little more, the benefits far outweigh any extra upfront expenses.
