With more and more people preferring to build homes that are completely in harmony with its surroundings, more and more suppliers of kit homes are also offering eco home designs that will suit owner builders from all parts of the country. But how exactly do you identify an eco-friendly kit home?
Eco homes have passive solar system in which the houses are oriented to maximize the benefits derived from natural sunlight. This means that the sides of the house are made of glass or have large windows that will allow natural light to come flooding in. Most homes also have decks to provide shade during summer season. Another distinctive feature of eco homes is its passive ventilation system, in which air is piped under the flooring to provide warm air during winter and cools the interiors during summer. This means less energy load for conventional heating and cooling systems, leading to lower utility bills.
Kit homes with eco-friendly designs are also well-insulated. The walls of this type of home have a layer of inert gas that serve to keep warm air in during cold weather and retain cool air during summer. These windows typically have two or more panes and meet the higher standard for insulation. The roofs of eco homes are also well-insulated for energy efficiency.
An eco-friendly home also has a system that will collect rainwater and convert it for human use and consumption. This feature is particular common among eco homes located in areas with regular rainfall the whole year through. The collected rainwater can be used for bathing, cleaning, watering the plants, and washing the dishes. Added savings can also be enjoyed if the owner has his own system to convert rainwater to potable water. There are also some technologies that are able to recycle used water for other uses, though owners need to check with local building codes to determine the system's viability in constructing kit homes in Australia.
With the flexibility of kit homes designs, owners can incorporate gadgets that will allow the homeowner to harness natural energy sources. Examples of this would be the installation of solar panels to ease the commercial electric consumption of the household. In areas with strong winds, mini-turbines can be installed to convert wind power to energy. Other alternative sources would be water power and biomass energy.
Most eco homes are also automated, which allows homeowners to monitor important features of the home, such as security, smoke detection, even its energy consumption. This way, homeowners can determine how to manage their household to reduce energy costs, if needed.
Additionally, eco homes also make use of paints that are not volatile and pose no health risks to its occupants. These homes also have appliances and furnishings that are energy-efficient, such as dual flush toilets, energy saving light bulbs, and appliances with Energy Star accreditation.
Needless to say, all these features can be incorporated into kit homes, should the owner builder specify it so. This provides options for homeowners to contribute his or her share in caring for the environment and reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels.
Eco homes have passive solar system in which the houses are oriented to maximize the benefits derived from natural sunlight. This means that the sides of the house are made of glass or have large windows that will allow natural light to come flooding in. Most homes also have decks to provide shade during summer season. Another distinctive feature of eco homes is its passive ventilation system, in which air is piped under the flooring to provide warm air during winter and cools the interiors during summer. This means less energy load for conventional heating and cooling systems, leading to lower utility bills.
Kit homes with eco-friendly designs are also well-insulated. The walls of this type of home have a layer of inert gas that serve to keep warm air in during cold weather and retain cool air during summer. These windows typically have two or more panes and meet the higher standard for insulation. The roofs of eco homes are also well-insulated for energy efficiency.
An eco-friendly home also has a system that will collect rainwater and convert it for human use and consumption. This feature is particular common among eco homes located in areas with regular rainfall the whole year through. The collected rainwater can be used for bathing, cleaning, watering the plants, and washing the dishes. Added savings can also be enjoyed if the owner has his own system to convert rainwater to potable water. There are also some technologies that are able to recycle used water for other uses, though owners need to check with local building codes to determine the system's viability in constructing kit homes in Australia.
With the flexibility of kit homes designs, owners can incorporate gadgets that will allow the homeowner to harness natural energy sources. Examples of this would be the installation of solar panels to ease the commercial electric consumption of the household. In areas with strong winds, mini-turbines can be installed to convert wind power to energy. Other alternative sources would be water power and biomass energy.
Most eco homes are also automated, which allows homeowners to monitor important features of the home, such as security, smoke detection, even its energy consumption. This way, homeowners can determine how to manage their household to reduce energy costs, if needed.
Additionally, eco homes also make use of paints that are not volatile and pose no health risks to its occupants. These homes also have appliances and furnishings that are energy-efficient, such as dual flush toilets, energy saving light bulbs, and appliances with Energy Star accreditation.
Needless to say, all these features can be incorporated into kit homes, should the owner builder specify it so. This provides options for homeowners to contribute his or her share in caring for the environment and reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels.
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