carcino-gen-nz

© Jeremy Levine Design

There is a growing impetus on making sustainable homes which are highly energy efficient. These sustainable homes are also using basics to achieve this efficiency.
First key to building sustainable homes is insulation which is a basic concern as the voids in insulation in the home might cause hot air to escape during winters and cool air to escape during summers. Ductwork is also important in making sustainable homes since leaky ductwork results in high electric bills. The leaky ducts can be repaired using "mastic" which is easily available at hardware stores.
The right electronic appliances can lower the electric bills and give sustainable homes. Using the Energy Star system to judge an appliance, it is recommended that the consumers do some research before they buy. The efficient appliances might be a tad expensive but they cover up on energy savings in a short time. Lighting also plays its role and CFL use is recommended both for energy efficiency and for reduction in cooling costs.

© Charles & Hudson

Green designs have delighted some homeowners with their exceptional energy efficiency. Many homeowners who opted for green designs last summer are reaping the benefits this summer with reduced electric bills.
Cory Matthew's large historic home in New Orleans had a makeover and is now energy efficient. The green designs incorporated into his house have helped him reduce his summer electric bills by hundreds of dollars. Matthew used state and federal aid to get his house fit with new technology. The green designs in his house such as special insulation and solar panels are making all the difference as the house is insulated from all the sides and hot water is obtained.
Collin Foots is another homeowner who went for an energy efficient house after Hurricane Katrina. He took part in the "Make it Right" program where houses with green designs were made with the help of tax credits and tax reimbursements from state and federal programs. Even he has cut his electric bills by half and is very happy with the new home.

© nikcname

The green homes with a larger price tag compared to normal homes were supposed to lose out during the recession period where buyers are often more concerned about price rather than other features. However a new research reveals an increasing understanding of green homes by the public.
From various studies it has been found out that green homes have been sold for 30% more on average. A study by Portland based Earth Advantage Institute found that green homes were sold for an average 8% more than the non certified homes. The premium was around 23% in one of the six counties which reported their figures. Third party certification by the likes of Energy Star, LEED for homes, and Earth Advantage have all given better sales price to the green homes.
The study has been conducted every year for the past 4 years and their results have been pointing in the same direction- that green homes which were certified were selling for more compared to their conventional counterparts.