Ever since 1981, the Earth’s global temperature has risen by 0.32° F every decade, which is far more than ever before. If this trend continues, global warming will likely become a very real threat in the near future. This is why going green is so important, but how can you go about doing that?
Investing in a net-zero-energy home is one of the best things you can do if you want a green home. But what exactly is a net-zero energy home and how does it differ from your average house? Keep reading and learn more about green real estate below.
Build a Net Zero Home: What Are They?
The average American has a carbon footprint of 16 tons, which is quadruple the global average. The larger your carbon footprint is, the more the Earth will suffer as a result. American homes tend to produce very large carbon footprints because they usually have next to no green aspects to benefit the environment.
This is where zero net energy homes come in. Green homes have become popular in recent years since more people realize the imminent threat of climate change. As the name suggests, a zero net energy home is a home that only ever uses the same amount of energy as it produces.
That way, it won’t be necessary to suck power from the power grid. But how can this be possible? After all, homes tend to use quite a lot of power, so how can your home produce enough power so that it can satisfy its own electricity needs?
Entering a New Era of Green Real Estate: How to Get Started
The goal of creating a net zero home is to reduce your energy use and source energy from renewable sources, like solar power. To get started, begin by assessing your current energy requirements and using that information to determine where you can make energy-efficient changes in your daily habits.
Consider upgrading appliances, installing more efficient windows and doors, and adding insulation for improved air circulation and temperature control. Additionally, investigate renewable energy sources in your area to understand which alternatives are available for powering your home. Doing research ahead of time will help ensure you make smart investments that can pay off over the long term.
Net Zero Energy Home: Your Best Options
Once you’ve done the necessary research to create a net-zero home, it’s time to start thinking about the best options for powering your green home. If you want to go all out and make sure your home is truly zero emission, consider installing solar panels on your roof. Solar panels enable you to produce energy from natural sunlight, allowing you to power your home without using any electricity.
If you live in a particularly sunny area, you may also want to invest in a solar battery system. This type of system stores excess energy produced by solar panels and makes it available on days when there isn’t enough sun to generate enough power. Additionally, many zero-net energy homes are equipped with energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, which use less power and require fewer resources to operate.
Finally, windmills and geothermal heating systems are other renewable power sources that can help you reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Net Zero vs. Carbon Neutral: What Are the Differences?
Though the terms “net zero” and “carbon neutral” are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between them. Net zero refers specifically to the energy that a home produces and consumes. It measures the amount of energy produced versus consumed over an extended period of time.
On the other hand, carbon neutrality considers only the emissions created by a home. It measures the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted during energy production and consumption, as well as other activities like transportation and waste disposal.
To achieve net zero energy status, a home must produce at least as much energy as it consumes over time. To achieve carbon neutrality, a home must reduce or offset any carbon dioxide emissions produced.
Measuring a Net Zero Home: What to Know
It is important to understand the impact of your net zero home on the environment. To do this, you’ll need to measure the amount of energy produced and consumed by your home over time. This data can be used to calculate an ‘energy efficiency rating’, which will let you know how well your home is performing in terms of energy efficiency.
The Department of Energy (DOE) energy certification is a way to help customers choose more efficient products while conserving energy and reducing energy consumption overall. It is a government-issued label that identifies a product’s efficiency in relation to other similar models.
Products displaying the DOE label demonstrate that they meet specific criteria written into law by the U.S. Congress and enforced under the Federal Energy Management Program. These labels are an invaluable indication to customers of exactly how much water, electricity, and money they can save when buying an item with higher efficiency ratings than others on the market.
By providing detailed information about a product’s capabilities, DOE energy certification helps make buying decisions easier for consumers, leading them toward increased efficiency and cost savings in the long run.
Zero Energy Home: Get Started in AshevilleToday
Achieving net zero status is an important step in reducing your environmental impact and making sure that future generations have access to clean air and resources. Investing in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient appliances will help you make the most of your green real estate purchase, giving you peace of mind knowing that you are doing your part to reduce your impact on the planet.
Are you looking to make the step towards a net-zero energy home? Request a consultation with us today to learn more.