As climate change becomes an increasing problem across the planet, it’s more important than ever to go green. Reducing your carbon footprint can quite literally help save the world. Whether you’re looking for a new home or upgrading your current one, focusing on sustainable design can help tremendously. Here are some sustainable design ideas to consider.
Sustainable Design Elements
The first thing to look at is your home’s size. You may want a huge living space, but do you really need it? More square footage means more energy used to heat, cool, and power it. It also means more water (and likely chemical solvents) used when cleaning it, more materials used to build it, and a hundred other factors that increase our carbon footprint in ways we hardly think about. Look for the smallest amount of space you need to live comfortably.
You should also consider things like window placement. Large, south-facing windows are a great energy-saver, particularly when combined with deciduous trees in the yard. The trees provide shade in the summer, keeping your home cool. Then, during winter, they shed their leaves, allowing sunlight through to provide natural heat.
Sustainable Design Additions
You don’t have to buy a new house to reduce your carbon footprint. There are sustainable design elements you can implement in your existing house. For instance, a tankless water heater heats water only as needed, rather than heating many gallons at a time and then keeping them at the ready whether you’re using them or not.
It also helps to look for Energy Star products whenever you can. Look for the blue Energy Star label, which indicates the product has been certified to use less energy than similar models, without sacrificing performance or features. This designation can be found on HVAC systems, refrigerators, televisions, computers, and anything else.
Finally, installing solar panels is a great way to greatly reduce (or even eliminate) your reliance on traditional power. It’s a significant investment, but it pays off over time.
For help integrating sustainable design elements into your home, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Indianapolis trusts us for its green home-comfort needs.
