Eco-Friendly and sustainable housing is becoming more popular and common in the San
Antonio and Austin communities, and for good reason. Designing your home with eco-friendly
elements not only helps the environment, but can mean significant savings in energy and
maintenance costs. By building homes to merge into the natural surroundings rather than
replacing it, architects and Texas home builders are using new and exciting techniques to
create eco-friendly structures which enhance the living spaces and save resources. If you are
planning your new home, utilizing a few simple tips can bring big benefits and livability to your
home.
- Use Nature as a Partner
Trees are a great way to add interest to your landscaping. They can also save you in
energy costs by positioning them to provide shade for your home. Keeping your home
cool during the heat of the afternoons by the placement of trees and other landscaping
can save you hundreds each month in energy bills. - Put Your Windows to Work
Of course you already know that the quality of your windows matters to your energy
costs. Energy-efficient windows are an important investment to keep costs down. But
what about the positioning and style themselves? Placing angled windows in a living
area allows maximum light to pour in, allowing you to use natural light to brighten your
home. Windows with small vented sections at the bottom can allow for airflow which
could reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning. - Choose Durable Materials
Consider the local environment when choosing exterior materials also. Pick materials
which are appropriate to the weather while providing a durable, low maintenance
home. For instance, cedar-plank siding is resistant to both water and pests which makes it - both strong and low maintenance. Over time, it ages to a beautiful soft gray color which eliminates the need for paint.
- Move Bedrooms Downstairs
By flipping the traditional floorplan and moving bedrooms to the lower level you gain several energy saving benefits. The living area on the top floor can take advantage of more natural light, while the bedrooms can stay cool and peaceful with more shade. Careful placement of landscaping can also reduce or eliminate the need for curtains and allows beautiful views of the outside
Green building practices are becoming more common in San Antonio and Austin and over the
next decade will be even more important. Taking advantage of all your options, including
energy-efficient appliances and home systems is one step, but there are simple design
techniques which can also bring big savings. Working with Mother Nature is one way to increase your quality of life while reducing your energy bills