Green Homes

Modern living made homeowners truly dependent on energy. Almost every gadget in the home uses electricity run by fossil fuels. Money is spent to pay for the energy bulls plus the carbon emission from generating the energy affects the environment.  The eminent danger of global warming has inspired some people to live in green homes. Green homes are homes designed to minimize (if not, eliminate) the dependence on a home with heavy carbon emissions.  Builders are more and more inclined to offer services of building green homes because of its practicality and efficiency. 

Here are some of the cool features of green homes. 

1.  Low Energy bills. Many homeowners now look for alternative sources of energy. Most green homes have solar panels installed to provide heating in the shower or during winter. For some green homes, homeowners opt for total independence from electric companies by running their own solar powered generators.  Such idea in green homes may need quite an amount as an initial investment but it is a practical choice in the long run. 

2.  Practical architecture.  The goal of green homes is to use less energy. That can also be achieved by using practical ways to harness the natural elements that can be tapped to incorporate into the architecture.  Skylights and tall windows allow natural light to enter green homes. Large windows allow breeze to enter. These two features in green homes eliminate the need to turn on the lights, fan and air-conditioning. Thick wall insulation protects green homes from cold winter. 

3.  Sustainable Materials. Wood that came from farms that practice sustainable farming is used in green homes. It is very common for green homes to used recycled materials.  The use of fewer materials is one of the building strategies in green homes.  The smaller the home, the less energy is needed to power it up. 

Green homes have increased market value and can earn incentives from the government. Building green homes are now easier with many groups and organizations supporting this endeavor. You can learn how you can achieve a greener home by checking out http://zerohomes.org. The Ecological Development Foundation, Inc will help you achieve a Zero Net  Energy Home  by providing information on new techniques in homebuilding.