Eco Friendly Homes

As concern with climate change grows and becomes more mainstream, the building industry is starting to further develop eco friendly homes, thanks to more demand and better technology. Alternative energy is one of the features that most eco friendly homes will explore. Wind power has already become quite popular, especially in Europe (Denmark, Portugal, UK etc). These days wind turbines come in different sizes and make very little noise. A small unit can simply be attached to the roof while larger turbines require a support post. Solar panels are also another regular feature on eco friendly homes. Photovoltaic panels are the most common type of solar power generation. These convert photon particles into electricity. A photovoltaic installation usually includes photovoltaic modules, an inverter, batteries and wiring. Solar thermal collectors provide another type of solar power as they are used to heat water.

Proper insulation also plays a key role in eco friendly homes as much of the heat is lost through walls. Putting up heavy curtains and blocking draft entry points can make a real difference. Loft insulation with quilts is also another common measure as well as insulating cavity walls.

Water is going to be a rare commodity in a planet blighted with climate change so conserving the stuff is part of the green concept adopted by eco friendly homes. Toilet flushes are a huge source of waste so installing more economical models will make a difference. Showering instead of bathing also helps. If you live in a house, setting up a rain capture device, often referred to as rain harvesting, is crucial. Rain harvesting involves collecting, storing and distributing water from the roof.

Finally, recycling, sourcing materials locally, landscaping the property according to the weather and keeping construction small are other measures that qualify an eco friendly home.