The Popularity of Eco Friendly Homes

With more and more people going green, it is not a surprise that the real estate industry will follow suit. The popularity of eco-friendly homes is due in part to more people becoming aware of the need to reduce energy consumption. Here are some reasons eco-friendly homes are becoming the ideal choice today.

Savings on energy and money

The savings on energy are increased with eco-friendly materials used to build the home, such as straw bale construction and insulated concrete. Some eco-friendly homes also reduce energy consumption through the design of the home, either to maximize the exposure to winter sun or reduce the effects of summer heat. Homeowners can also save energy bills with energy-saving appliances.

More health benefits

Eco-friendly paints known as low-VOC paints, natural stains, and formaldehyde-free glue are a better alternative to regular paints and glues used in most homes. Regular paints actually make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air because they tend to release harmful chemicals that stay in the air for years.

More eco-friendly

Eco-friendly homes are designed to reduce electrical consumption by design or with the use of energy-saving appliances, reduce water consumption with the installation of low-volume toilets and adding rainwater filtration systems. Eco-friendly homes are also made of sustainable materials such as wool carpeting or bamboo flooring and recycled steel.

Although most eco-friendly homes do not advertise this feature from the outside and they may not fetch the highest premiums, they tend to sell earlier, even if the home is on the higher end of the spectrum.