You don’t have to compromise on design to reduce the world’s carbon emissions. Thanks to today’s latest green technology, and the help of expert architects, you can have a luxurious home without destroying the environment.
Many well-known celebrities, such as Orlando Bloom, Julia Roberts, and Ed Begley, Jr. have turned their luxurious home green. If you want to do your part in making the world a better place, here are basic tips and ideas for turning your luxury home into an eco-friendly home.
1. Purchase Energy Star rated equipment
Energy Star, created by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, is an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products. Not only does it help protect the environment through superior energy efficiency, it helps individuals and businesses save money.
When purchasing kitchen equipment, computer products, and other gadgets for your luxury home, look for the Energy Star service label. Equipment of this marking generally uses 20-30% less energy than required by federal standards. Whirlpool and GE are some of the brands with the Energy Star label.
2. Take advantage of smart thermostats
An ordinary thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature via the control panel. A “smart” thermostat, on the other hand, lets you remotely control the climate in your home via a web app. This thermostat displays your consumption in real-time and even raises or lowers the temperature according to your activity. There is something different Smart thermostat models are availabledepending on your needs.
Using a smart thermostat lets you see how much you’re spending on cooling/heating costs, and adjust programming to save you energy and money.
3. Use LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes are more environmentally friendly than traditional incandescent light bulbs, which account for 90 percent of the energy they consume. It does not contain mercury and can operate even at low temperatures. Plus, LEDs have an extremely long life span, which means less time to replace light bulbs, and lower maintenance costs.
4. Have an energy efficient fireplace
Fireplaces are a part of almost every luxury home. However, the smoke from a traditional wood fireplace is hazardous to your health and the environment. To minimize risk, many are turning to electric fireplaces. However, these things consume a lot of energy.
EcoSmart Fire eliminating chimneys and electricity bills altogether. This green alternative to traditional fireplaces creates a luxurious bioethanol-fired fireplace that is safe and incredibly versatile and beautiful. With designs ranging from classic to modern, these energy efficient fireplaces can be used outdoors and indoors to transform your home and warm your heart.
5. Install the solar panels
Instead of siphoning power from a fossil fueled grid, consider installing solar panels to generate energy. Julia Roberts has done it in her 6,000 square foot home, and so can you. Using clean energy drawn from the sun not only saves your electric bill in half, it is also more beneficial for the planet.
If you haven’t made the switch yet, start now. Renovate your home to make it more sustainable. You don’t have to worry about looks.