Features That Make a Home Eco-Friendly

Austin, TX - Homebuyers and current owners are choosing to invest in eco-friendly and sustainable home features. Whether you are looking for a home that has these features already or want to look into implementing a few of these features on your current home, it's always a good idea to find more earth-conscious ways to make an impact on the environment. Here are a few green home features that will make your home more eco-friendly.

1. Solar Panels  

Using the sun's inexhaustible energy, solar rooftop panels can provide a long-term, cost-effective way to boost the "passive" energy of a home. Solar panels can be an attractive, artistic, or modern addition, whether the home is brand new or hundreds of years old.  

 2. LED Lighting  

LED bulbs are vastly more energy-efficient than filament bulbs, which means the home's carbon footprint can be greatly reduced without switching off the lights.

3. Geothermal Heating and Cooling   

Geothermal heating and cooling provide optimal indoor conditions at any time of year. An efficient geothermal system can provide 20 years of reliable heating and cooling, with minimal maintenance, so the benefits of installing one could outweigh the costs, especially if it's for a new home build or to replace an old heating and cooling system. 

4. AMX Technology   

AMX smart-home systems control light, heat, sound, and even irrigation at the touch of a button. The home automation system can be programmed remotely so that energy is not wasted when the property is vacant. 

5. Energy-efficient Windows   

Energy-efficient windows can be pricy if you plan to replace your current windows but can save you money if you plan to build a new home. Energy Star windows rank high on the list of energy-efficient brands and can be about the same price as non-energy efficient windows. 

6. Sustainable Materials   

If you are building a new home, using sustainable materials is the best way to go for a more eco-friendly home. You get to make everything custom to your taste while using recycled materials that are just as appealing with the bonus of having Mother Nature in mind. 

7. Tankless Water Heater 

With a standard water heater tank, you're paying for your water heater to store, heat, and reheat a supply of water. With a tankless water heater, you can have instant hot water. They heat only the water that is needed as it passes through an electric coil. This eliminates excess energy costs and wasted energy associated with a tank, often saving a reported 50 percent on your energy bill. 

8. Thoughtful Landscaping   

Consider a switch to drought-tolerant native plants and a reduced turf footprint. Also, ensure that any trees contributing to passive heating and cooling your home are pruned, trimmed, and in good health.