If you’re looking for a home that will help the environment, energy efficient homes are a great choice. Not only do they lower your bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they are also healthier for you to live in.
Efficient buildings and homes are a crucial part of decarbonizing the economy. They reduce costs for homeowners, businesses, and the public, while achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Buildings and homes are a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, so it’s no surprise that energy efficient homes help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced. They can also save money on heating and cooling, and lower your overall energy costs.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, homes that are properly insulated and have an efficient heating and air conditioning system can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 percent. These savings are a big part of the reason why home energy efficiency measures have such a strong impact on climate change.
In addition to operating emissions, buildings also have embodied emissions – the emissions associated with the manufacturing and transporting of building materials. As more and more homes become more energy efficient, embodied emissions are becoming more of an issue.
Saving Money
Energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy consumed, which in turn decreases utility bills. Whether you’re planning to build a new home or are already living in one, there are plenty of ways to save money and improve your energy efficiency.
Using more efficient appliances, such as Energy Star refrigerators and clothes washers, can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your electricity bill. You can also replace old light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent (CFL) models that use less energy.
In addition to saving money, energy efficiency improves the health of households. For example, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can reduce indoor air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma.
Better Health
Energy efficiency upgrades can have a significant impact on health and well-being by improving the indoor environment of homes. This includes reducing indoor air pollution from mold, dust, and dander.
This can help people suffering from asthma and other respiratory illnesses improve their quality of life. It can also reduce the likelihood of hospital visits by improving indoor comfort and temperature control.
Although energy efficiency upgrades can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people living in homes, there is still a need for better communication between the energy and health sectors. In particular, this needs to avoid shaming and dismissive messages that can negatively affect mental health.
Aesthetics
In addition to helping the environment, energy efficient homes can also be more attractive to potential buyers. In fact, a Freddie Mac study shows that energy efficient homes sell for an average of 3% to 5% more than less efficient houses.
One of the most obvious benefits of energy efficient homes is that they improve the aesthetics of a home. This can make the house feel more comfortable and beautiful, which can attract more people to want to live there.
Aesthetics is a critical factor in building construction. It can influence building design and function. In addition, it can help promote the sale of energy efficiency technologies.
Increased Value
Energy efficiency is more than just a way to save on utility bills. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and frees up important resources like water, making your home a better choice for the environment.
Whether you’re selling your home or moving, it’s an excellent idea to make it more eco-friendly. There are a number of ways to do this, such as incorporating solar panels and installing energy-efficient appliances.
In addition to lowering your energy bills, energy-efficient homes sell for a premium in the real estate market. Studies have found that these properties can fetch a premium of up to 9% in some areas.