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Top 10 Energy Efficient and Sustainable Home Trends of 2014

Reblogger
Services for Real Estate Pros with Jim Green Realty

Thank you Chris Benson, for sharing these tips. I want to insall Smart Thermostats in my New Hampshire house so I can keep my programmable thermostats down low while I am out and turn it up to 70° prior to arriving home to save on fuel.

 

Original content by Chris Benson BR548496000

The green revolution is in full swing, and as it becomes more apparent of the impact that we are having on the earth, more and more people are looking for green solutions in their daily lives. The added bonus is that homeowners can save themselves some money in the process. As a result, there are new technologies and trends that emerge with each passing year. Here are some of the best energy efficient and sustainable home trends of 2014.

LED light bulbs

The US Department of Labor has reported that an LED bulb can use at least 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb, and it will last significantly (about 35 to 50 times) longer than an incandescent, and even longer than a fluorescent bulb.

Solar-Ready Roofs

Solar power is shedding its reputation for being clunky, expensive and unreliable. New roofs are equipped with all the right tools to install solar power, and as of this year solar-ready roofs are required in all new buildings in California.

Reflective Roof Coatings

For those who are not ready for solar, and even those who are, reflective roof coatings are also a great addition to a house. They reduce heat buildup on the surface of the roof, and thus reduce energy usage in the hot summer months.

Geothermal Technology

A geothermal heat pump draws energy straight from the earth. It is an increasingly popular solution to solar power, and is effective year round. Heating and cooling costs are significantly reduced through the use of geothermal technology.

Eco-friendly Materials

Materials like ThermaSteel for flooring and walls and stonewool insulation, as used in this energy efficient micro city in Paris are transforming the way that we build homes, and creating new opportunities to use green materials.

Use of Cloud Technology

This trend has been a long time coming, but this year it has really evolved into more than just a nice luxury. Home automation systems allow homeowners to have total control over their utilities using cloud technology, which means that we can say goodbye to leaving lights on over a long weekend.

Smart Thermostats

In a similar vein, the smart thermostat has become an even more available green device for the average homeowner, and is becoming a necessity. Where programmable thermostats have been available for some time, new versions allow for control using smart phones and other devices, which is even more ecofriendly.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Since 1992, the EPA has been collecting and releasing a list of appliances that meet certain energy requirements through their Energy Star program. In recent years, consumers have responded well to the increasing number of energy efficient appliances on the market, realizing that they will save them money while reducing their carbon footprint. This year’s list is full of ecofriendly products that meet the stringent guidelines and will populate homes across the country.

Low Flow Technology

With water becoming an ever-precious commodity, more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the amount of water wasted every day. New homes can now be equipped with low flow technology, which includes limiting water flow to showers, toilets, and sinks, without harming pressure.

Net Zero Energy

All of these technologies are part of the solutions that an increasing number of homeowners are using to achieve net zero energy status. This means that a home produces as much energy as it consumed, and is an increasing trend in new home construction.

Chris Benson

Associate Broker/Owner

Estate Realty & Management

bensonrealestate@gmail.com

480-225-7188

Posted by

Bobi Bigelow, The Advertising Angel

Comments (8)

Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Bobi - Home technology has certainly changed a lot over the last several years, and there are a lot of different ways to make your home more efficient.

Feb 26, 2015 09:04 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Bobi - These are very helpful great list of top ten energy efficient and sustainable home trends of 2014.

Feb 26, 2015 09:54 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Bobi, you picked a great post by Chris Benson to re-blog. Green technology is really evolving with many of the ideas paying huge dividends.

Mar 03, 2015 07:26 AM
Bobi Bigelow
Jim Green Realty - Fort Myers, FL
Advertising / Marketing Administrator

You're right Troy Erickson, technology changes very fast. I found out first hand when I renovated an 1880 home. The energy efficiency material that I used was such a waste of money compared to what became available just 6-7 years later. Thank you for following me on ActiveRain. I hope to hear from you again.

Mar 04, 2015 03:22 AM
Bobi Bigelow
Jim Green Realty - Fort Myers, FL
Advertising / Marketing Administrator

Thank you John Pusa. It is always good to hear from you.

Mar 04, 2015 03:23 AM
Bobi Bigelow
Jim Green Realty - Fort Myers, FL
Advertising / Marketing Administrator

Thank you Nick T Pappas. Living in the beautiful state of New Hampshire with our very dramatic 4-seasons I find the more energy efficient your home is the more we all win.

Mar 04, 2015 03:24 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Hello Bobi,  I have had a smart (as best as can be) thermostat for a long while.  I turn the thermostat off when walking out the door and on when coming home at night.    Mark it a great week.  Mark

Mar 28, 2015 08:09 AM
Bobi Bigelow
Jim Green Realty - Fort Myers, FL
Advertising / Marketing Administrator

I have used a programmable thermostat for years. I have found it to be well worth the cost to purchase it.

Mar 29, 2015 11:56 PM