Have you ever wondered what life would be like in an eco-friendly home? Most people would imagine a wooden chalet with sparse interiors and accessories. Yet eco homes can be extremely modern, with all the equipment and fittings you would find elsewhere. Integrated with state-of-the-art technology they can save you money and be great for the environment.
Below, we discuss the three essential elements of an eco home.
Reclaimed Materials
Buying new materials will be unavoidable in the building of an eco home. Yet trying to find ones that are reclaimed where you can has several advantages. Firstly, they are less damaging to the environment as you are recycling goods. Secondly, they can keep the cost down. In today's market, material prices can change by the day and reclaimed materials also provide your budget with some stability.
You could go as far as to reclaim a whole house's worth of materials if you decide to buy a place and fix it up. There are also plenty of advantages to this as opposed to starting from fresh.
As you don't have to dig the groundwork and apply for planning permission, it is just a case of integrating other materials and eco-technologies into the renovation. Contact online estate agents and let them know that you are looking for a character property in need of renovation. They may also have contacts who can help you with items such as solar and heating installation.
Insulation and Ventilation
Insulation is the key to regulating your eco-friendly home. In summer, it can keep cool air in. In winter, it keeps the warm air trapped inside and prevents the elements from damaging your home. All of this will reduce your bills and carbon emissions. There are plenty of eco-friendly options for insulation as well, such as wool, recycled plastic, and cork.
To ensure the insulation does not lead to stagnant air, which can cause mold and mildew, your home needs adequate ventilation. Consult an architect on the best types of vents to install.
By combining them with windows that let in plenty of natural light, the home will be light and airy in all seasons.
The Right Technology
Technology is important in eco homes but it needs to be done right. If you add all the bells and whistles, you will end up with unused items that cost money and resources. Luckily, many modern smart home technologies can dramatically reduce energy consumption. Having full control of processes and automating them helps save money on bills. From turning off the lights to shutting down heating when you are out, there are plenty of options. You should also look for Energy Star ratings on other appliances and only go for the most efficient ones.
Always consult an expert on eco homes before you begin. They will be able to assist with everything, from where to source reclaimed products to other elements like getting planning permission. Set a budget and a timescale, and before long you'll be cuddled up snuggly in your eco home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli
Content Specialist
Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including nature, arts and crafts and the outdoors. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.
