10 reasons to build an eco-friendly house
[cmsms_row][cmsms_column data_width= »1/1″][cmsms_text]
Why build an eco-friendly house? Here’s why.
1-The price. Many people think that building an eco-friendly house is more expensive than a conventional one. Think again!
It is important to make smart choices when building a home. Most modern houses have many sloped roofs. With climate change, rising temperatures, and numerous storms that are increasingly violent and strong, it is imperative to invest money into roofs that are durable and with only one or two slopes.
2-The orientation: one of the key things to consider when planning a new home. Be sure to orient your house towards the south and to have large windows facing the south. It’s one of the main principles of so-called passive houses. Think of the climate, the ground and the orientation. In the winter, when the sun is lower in the horizon than in the summer, the sun will heat your massive floor and will redistribute the heat throughout the night. In this case, your well-insulated house will only cost you a couple hundred dollars per year for heating purposes. In the summer, it is a good idea to plant numerous leafy trees around your house in order to create areas of shade. In the winter, the leafs fall to the ground naturally, which means that the rays of the sun will help heat your house naturally.
3-Basements. In Quebec, basements are not necessary since they are large, expensive areas to heat. Moreover, they are rarely used and are often humid or damp. It’s much better to invest in a concrete slab with a radiating floor that will guarantee you a better isolation for the walls and the ceiling.
4-A healthier lifestyle. Did you know that people spend 90% of their time indoors? Let that fact sink in and you will realize how important it is to have a healthy indoor environment. Have you eliminated inadequate ventilation sources, smoke and toxic materials such as paint? Go for a healthy home, composed of recycled materials.
5-Premiums and subsidies. When leading an eco-friendly lifestyle, one is usually rewarded! If you can prove that you live in an eco-friendly house, you may be eligible for a reduction on your property tax. In addition, you may get a slashed price on your construction permit if your level E is lower than E50.
6-Comfort. Natural lighting, adequate materials, a steady temperature and humidity level… these are important factors to bear in mind when building a green home. Your family will thank you for it!
7-Preserving the environment. We can’t overlook this reason! By using healthy materials, biodegradable waste, by refusing to over-consume, we help contribute to a healthier planet.
8-Energy conservation needs. One can save a lot of energy in terms of heating when residing in a green home. In addition, one can easily save in terms of water. According to experts working at the Fondation Internationale de la Maison de la Chimie, eco-conscious citizens can reduce their water bill from 50 to 80%. Besides, installing a compost toilet can help you save up to 100, 000 litres of clean water per year. We all know that water is an indispensable source to the planet. Be on the look-out for ways to save, save, and save again!
Hydro-Québec has just relaunched its WaterSense® water- and energy-saving products program. The goal of this two-year program is to encourage consumers to use electricity more efficiently. The showerheads and faucet aerators included in the WaterSense® kits reduce water flow to 5.7 L/min, which is up to 40% less than that of traditional products. But since the pressure remains the same, users won’t even notice a difference! These products can help a household of four people save over 43,000 litres of water a year and over $100 on their electricity bill. To purchase a kit, visit the Hydro-Québec Web site here.
9-Go green and think of durability. Obviously, at first glance, an eco-friendly house may seem expensive. But think long term and you will see results! An eco-friendly house is a good long-term investment. Use an intelligent design, go for smart heating ideas and you may slash your heating bills by up to 80%.
A house made of sound recycled materials, natural wood and non-toxic finishes will be sure to withstand the test of time. Additional sums on your mortgage are minor if you consider that your house can be paid over 25 years. It is not rocket science!
10-Natural light. Thanks to large windows and solar panels which are found in most eco-friendly homes, light plays a major role. We know how easily light affects our mood and plays with our emotions. Louis Kahn once said: Today’s architects design rooms without natural lighting. They seem happy with static lights and forget the infinite qualities of natural lighting, which makes a room different every single second of every day.
The construction of an eco-friendly house is a small revolution that is garnering attention and support. We hope that this short article has persuaded you to see why it is such a smart move to build an eco-friendly house.
[/cmsms_text][/cmsms_column][/cmsms_row]
