Call it sustainable homebuilding, residential environmentalism, or simply eco-friendly home design. Whatever moniker you put on it, every homeowner today gives serious consideration to alternative energy solutions and reduction of their carbon footprint. We’re all striving to create a more environmentally friendly future for ourselves and our families. It starts at home, and what better way to begin than with your new home? Explore custom-built home designs in Fort Wayne, IN, and learn more about the top eco-friendly home trends used by builders today
The Draw of Energy Efficiency
While it’s not a new idea, builders continue improving the energy efficiency of custom home designs. People use a huge amount of energy running the major appliances in their homes. Most builders today offer Energy Star certified appliances. These are energy-efficient, and, in the process of saving you money on energy bills, they also help reduce your carbon footprint. In addition to keeping up with current eco-friendly design trends, these appliances lend a fresh, trendy look to your new home.
Water Preservation and Your New Home
You don’t need to read the news to know that we waste a lot of water every day. Even though it’s a finite resource, many of us pay little attention to how much water we really do waste just by turning on a faucet or flushing a toilet. While none of can save the world by using a few less drops of water, we can use water preservation solutions in our homes. Do your part by installing low-flow dual-flush toilets. Ask your builder if they can install faucets and showerheads that use aerators. You can go beyond the eco-friendly features your builder may offer by considering installing a rainwater collection system if your city allows it.
Environmentally Friendly Lighting
If you’re still using incandescent or fluorescent lights, buying a new home give you a new opportunity to try eco-friendly lighting solutions. Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs make an excellent choice for your home. They’re energy efficient, use a fraction of the heat used by their less eco-friendly counterparts, and last longer. Another way you can incorporate eco-friendly lighting into your home is by installing solar panels. While most builders don’t specialize in solar energy, you can have the panels installed after you move into your new home.
Insulation Is Everything
When you research custom luxury home designs in Fort Wayne, IN, pay attention to insulation. Improved insulation is a high priority for homebuyers looking for ways they can build an eco-friendly home. Without the right kind of insulation behind walls, under roofs, and around doors and windows, your home is left at the mercy of the outside environment. Residential insulation is measured by its R-value. Talk with your builder about how they plan to insulate your home. The right insulation properly applied ensures you live in a comfortable, energy-efficient home. It’s one more way you can reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy.
Ready to start building your home using eco-friendly home trends? Lancia Homes in Fort Wayne, IN, cares about the environment too! Contact us today at 260-489-4433 and let’s talk about our eco-friendly custom home design plans.
