The Benefits of Owning an Eco-Friendly Home

The Benefits of Owning an Eco-Friendly Home

Homeowners are increasingly moving towards sustainability, and you don’t have to be an environmental scientist to understand that eco-friendly features are more important than ever for our local and global communities. A green home does more than benefit the environment; sustainable features can improve function, comfort, and more. Consider the benefits of owning an eco-friendly home and decide whether your residence could do with some energy and water efficient upgrades.

A Healthier Home

An eco-friendly home provides numerous health benefits. Homeowners that renovate or build a home with green, sustainable features and upgrades in mind are rewarded with a healthier living environment. Green hones are generally constructed with natural building materials that are naturally free from or low in toxins and VOCs. The right upgrades can also take advantage of natural ventilation, which can improve the quality of indoor air.  

Better Curb Appeal

An eco-friendly home can actually transform the overall aesthetic value of your home, especially when it comes to landscaping features and curb appeal. Eco-friendly upgrades allow homeowners to transform their yards into natural, ecologically friendly spaces. Consider a location like Southern California. Many residents in this area of the state are under water restrictions; in many cases, these restrictions prevent watering, leaving lawns brown and desolate. Homeowners that look towards drought-friendly features and upgrades are able to create aesthetically pleasing landscape that could improve the value of their property while saving them in maintenance costs over time. Homeowners in the Golden State have an added incentive to add eco-friendly features to their yards; PACE programs in San Diego and other California cities provide homeowners with financing to complete these renovations and installations, tackling the hurdle of impossible upfront costs.

Reduced Bills

Energy and water efficient homes offer reduced utility costs. Green homes incorporate better insulation, high-quality sealing and insulation, modern windows, efficient HVAC systems, and energy efficient lighting options and appliances. All of these combined return their investment and then some with savings in utility bills. Water efficient upgrades such as low flow showerheads, water heating systems, and greywater reuse can cut back on water use and waste, cutting water bills significantly.

A More Comfortable Home

Energy efficient homes are more comfortable. Why? Temperature control. Homes that combine a variety of sustainable features are better able to maintain a comfortable temperature setting, without cranking the heater or putting the air conditioner on full blast. Poor insulation and air leaks can allow that cozy warmth to escape in the winter, and may make it more difficult for your HVAC system to cool down your home in those hot summer months. Making even small eco-friendly fixes can have a significant impact on home comfort.

Government Incentives

The government recognizes the greater good and overall value of green homes, as sustainable features and energy-saving measures can provide better health rates, increased financial savings, and ecological benefits. In order to encourage homeowners to adopt these sustainable measures, both state and federal governments have offered tax credits and other incentives to those who install energy efficient upgrades. While state credits and incentives vary, homeowners can still cash in on some beneficial energy efficient credits from the federal government. Time is of the essence when it comes to snatching up tax credits; as energy efficiency becomes the norm instead of the exception, the government will likely phase out these incentives.

A Reduced Carbon Footprint

Want to ensure you’re doing your part to preserve important resources and keep our world healthy for generations to come? Owning an eco-friendly home means reducing your carbon footprint day after day. This can immediately benefit your family and friends, and over time, your local community and beyond. As you adopt energy efficient habits and installations, encourage neighbors and friends to consider playing a role in the battle to save our environment.

Homeowners who choose to build green homes that incorporate important sustainable features stand to benefit greatly from their investment. Energy efficient upgrades can also have a major impact on home comfort and costs for homeowners in their existing home. Consider the significant advantages inherent to owning an eco-friendly home and decide which upgrades will suit your family and lifestyle best.