In a time when energy is in high demand and the longevity of resources that power our homes is unknown, thinking green has never been more paramount. Yes, technology has progressed, yielding efficient appliances and HVAC systems to reduce the impact we have on the environment and the cost of utility bills. But what if increased efficiency is a contributing factor to increased energy demand? Would that make you think green? Technological improvements that increase efficiency, say electrical efficiency, often leads to increased consumption of that particular resource. This is contrary to common intuition and is easily explained by Jevons Paradox. Improved efficiency reduces the amount of energy required for a given process and resultantly lowers the relative cost of that resource. The reduced relative cost often leads to increased demand and increased consumption. Increased efficiency with handling a resource accelerates economic growth.
To counteract Jevons Paradox and regain the savings lost from building your dream home, unhindered by a guilty conscience, many green solutions are practical, cost effective, and frequently lower utility bills. Feasible residential solutions can include:
• Roof top solar panel installation - Roof top solar systems are not nearly as obtrusive as they used to be. Improvements in the solar industry have made seamless integration of panels into your rooftop simple and eloquent. With a rooftop solar system, you will convert the valuable energy of the sun into electricity right on your very own property. This electricity can be used directly by you to offset your electrical bill or can be integrated into the electrical grid of your municipality for a profit, depending on your location.
• Produce a better seal - Insulation and quality windows can significantly reduce air leakage from your home, reducing heating bills in the winter and air conditioning bills in the summer. Selecting premium insulation and a quality window in the design phase of a project is simple and easy to implement. Modifications and retrofits are expensive and invasive! Work with your homebuilder now and understand the economic advantage of your investment.
• Solar thermal collectors - The heat provided by the sun is free, why not take advantage of the energy? A variety of thermal collector applications are available for residential use. Again, the integration of a hot water heating application is easier to install in the design phase. Ask questions and research which options are best for you.
Many green projects are attached with a hefty price tag, but it's not all bad news. We've also assembled a list of five solutions that are under $50!
If you're interested in green projects but have a tendency to avoid them out of fear of complication, consult your homebuilder. It's easier to incorporate your vision into your home design now than it is to retrofit down the road.
Tuscany Luxury Builders are in demand because we not only tell your story for you through the design and construction of your dream home, but we work with you to ensure you get the chance to have a positive impact on the environment. We're aware of the fast paced world we live in. That's why we're continuously adapting our practices to deliver services and products above expectations in the 21st century. This is why NBA stars like Dale Davis and Cliff Livingston and world-class musicians like Rod Stewart and Kenny Rogers utilize the expertise of Tuscany Luxury Builders.