What’s New On the Green Scene? Trends For Greening Your Home

 

The latest environmentally friendly home features aren’t just good for the planet they look great and are a huge draw for the conscientious buyer. Here are some eco-friendly home trends if you are considering any home improvements or remodeling.

 

New Trends

Copper Roofs ~ Copper and copper alloys such as brass and bronze are showing up on roofs, entryways, facades, gutters and downspouts. These roofs and copper products can be good long term investments because they tolerate inclement weather. A properly installed roof could last up to 100 years versus composition roofs that average 30 years.

Timber Framing ~ Timber framing requires significantly less lumber than the traditional “stick built” housing which uses 2 by 4 studs. Using timber framing in your home construction or remodeling requires less energy to make because it uses freshly cut wood.

Rainwater Holding tanks ~ Capturing runoff from roofs and gutters is becoming more popular. This runoff water is captured in the holding tanks and then filtered and can be directed into indoor plumbing, the laundry and sprinkler systems.

Reclaimed Wood Countertops ~ Fast growing plants like bamboo and already cut woods that aren’t being used are finding new life as gorgeous countertops or other household decor. The wood types vary in color and texture from antique heart pine used in southern mills, and old farms to pine beetle kill, red oak and douglas fir.

 Induction Cooktops ~ Unlike traditional cooktops that heat up the cooking surface, the coils of an induction cooktop release their energy directly to the pot or pan and its contents. That means less energy is diffused in the cooking processes. It also means the cook top surface remains cool to the touch, making it safer. The technology is still more expensive than comparable quality electric and gas appliances.  Home owners should eventually see their energy bills drop.

Smart Irrigation Systems ~ Weather TRAK controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on the needs of your landscape and local weather conditions. The system receives satellite data about local weather conditions to adjust the watering schedule. The price of a system depends on the number of sprinkler heads. Besides better looking lawns the home owners reap lower water bills.

Water Heater Timer ~ Standard water heaters keep gallons of water heated all of the time whether they’re needed or not, contributing to higher heating bills. Installing a water-heater timer enables you to set specific on and off times for water heater operation.

Plant Trees to Save Energy ~ Thoughtful landscape design can lower the demands put on air-conditioning and heating systems. Shade trees can be put in strategic locations to provide shade around the home. Planting deciduous trees to provide shade on the south side of a house can lower the cooling load during summer months by providing a solar shield.

 

Call me today for great contractors that can get you started on your home remodeling projects 720.210.7377 or visit www.coloradosells.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.coloradosells.com and visit my blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit www.coloradosells.com

or email me at courtneyi@kw.com

or call me at

720-210-7377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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