10 Tips to Help You Design a Sustainable Home

When you’re designing a home, there’s a lot that you can do to make it environmentally friendly. Here are 10 tips to help you start on the right path to design a home that facilitates an environmentally sustainable lifestyle while also creating potential savings.

Don’t Use More Space Than You Need

Smaller homes tend to be more efficient. Larger homes not only require more material to build, they also use significantly more energy for heating, cooling, and lighting.

Maximize Natural Light

When you’re designing a sustainable home, consider a design concept that incorporates as much natural light as possible. This will reduce energy costs will also giving your home a bright and sunny feel. During the winter, more sunlight will make your home considerably warmer and allow you to use less energy.

Use Recycled Materials

Many homebuilding materials are available with recycled content. Building supplies made from recycled material such as roofing shingles, siding, and insulation will make the process of building a home a lot more environmentally friendly. Also, some types of previously used materials such as bricks and stones can be repurposed for new construction.

Insulate Your Home from the Elements

In many parts of the country that experience a full range of seasons, homes want to easily keep cool in the hot summer months and use minimal heat during the winter month. Insulating your home against the elements is one of the most effective ways to control your home’s temperature while using less energy.

Invest in an Energy-Saving Heating or Cooling System

When you’re considering what type of HVAC system is right for your home, don’t just look at the initial expense. Analyze how much energy a system requires to know how much it will cost you in the long run and try to select a system that will offer eco-friendly benefits and energy savings.

Include Ceiling Fans in Your Design

Traditional ceiling fans are an often-overlooked design feature in new constructions. However, ceiling fans use a lot less energy than cooling systems. While fans aren’t a replacement for HVAC cooling, they help circulate air and reduce cooling costs.

Add a Fireplace or Wood Burning Stove

If you live in a region where winters are especially cold like the northeast or the Midwest, then including a fireplace into your living room design may be a good way to cut energy costs during the colder months. A wood burning stove can also help create a traditional-looking aesthetic in your home and help generate warmth.

Consider Alternative Energy Sources

In northeastern metro and suburban areas, a growing number of homeowners are adding solar panels to their homes to reduce energy costs. Worcester solar energy usage has become more popular as an increasing number of homeowners look to incorporate renewable energy sources into their homes. Solar energy panels can be used to provide electricity for traditional household outlets and appliances, and they can also be used to power your home’s water heating system.

Create an Area Dedicated to Composting

Composting is a sustainable practice that a lot of people aren’t able to jump on board with simply because they’re not set up for it or don’t have the space. Creating a dedicated space for composting during the design phase will enable your family to get started composting in a planned and manageable way.

Furnish Your Home with Sustainable Materials

Furnishings and finishings made up of sustainably sourced materials will complete your home’s environmentally conscious design concept. Use repurposed and reclaimed furniture or furniture made from recycled materials. Try to make purchases from retailers who are committed to green business practices.

Design choices that make your home sustainable may also make your home more valuable. Careful planning and some creativity will help you lay the foundation for a home that reflects your commitment to sustainable living.