Ways to Turn Your New Jersey Home into an Energy Efficient One
When designing new homes inNew Jersey, consider building green. Not the color— rather, make your home environmentally friendly. While building from sustainable products can lead you down the proverbial “rabbit hole,” the end result can be fulfilling.
Energy Efficiency
The most prominent way to make your house a green home is with appliances that are energy efficient. This can include everything from the water heater you choose to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system design.
> Tankless Water Heaters – Choosing a tankless, instant hot water heater saves money in a number of ways. By supplying hot water in seconds on demand, only the water used is heated. A traditional storage water heater is designed to maintain the set water temperature in anticipation of demand. This is a source of great energy waste; whether the heater is electric or gas powered. Although the tankless water heater has a higher initial cost, energy savings recoup the difference. Additionally, since the water is heated immediately, there is less water wasted; especially regarding hot water demand any distance from the heater. No more waiting for the length of pipe to drain of cold water as you wait for the hot water to reach your master bath.
> Split System Heat Pumps – A split system heat pump provides true zone temperature control. Some systems are designed to allow up to eight air handlers for a single outdoor unit. The ductless system is simple to install and allows you to control the temperature of each room separately. No ductwork eliminates the need for balancing air flow or freezing in the living room to keep your bedroom comfortable. Structurally and architecturally speaking, the ductless system eliminates the need to close in living space to hide the ducts.
> Insulation – as one of the most important energy saving properties of your home, do not skimp on insulation! The quality of your home’s insulation will determine the energy efficiency of the structure. Don’t forget that there are sound proofing products to dampen noise between rooms as well. Perhaps a bit extravagant, but it could definitely be worth the expense in any new home in New Jersey. Consider the future, when your lovely children become loud, head banging teenagers!
Sustainability
When deciding on building materials, consider products that use minimal energy for production. For example, if you choose wood siding for your home, use a manufacturer that practices forest sustaining by planting trees to replace those harvested. Also, try to purchase from local manufacturers to decrease the fossil fuels burned to transport the materials.
When considering use of recycled materials, there are cases when the act of restoring or removing the materials harms the environment more than purchasing new. Do your research; the key to green new homes inNew Jerseyis the net footprint of chosen materials.
Author: CoreyWeston
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