By Danielle King, Green Moves Australia, www.greenmoves.com.au
Many savvy home buyers have added another dimension to their check list of what features their ideal home would have and they include wanting the home to be highly energy and water efficient. Those who have family members with allergies or asthma are also looking for homes with low or non-toxic interiors to provide a healthier indoor environment. Combining these features into your next project could help you to maximise the future value of the home
So exactly what should be included in a build or renovation project to achieve this? Some of the key items are as follows.
Insulation and sealing the drafts – Wherever possible insulate the building envelope (external walls, windows, doors, floor and roof) as best you can. It’s not always obvious to us but it can make a large difference to the comfort of the home and the cost of heating or cooling it. Many are asking ‘is this home well insulated?’ and I’ve known some to ask to check the ceiling or have pre-purchase inspections conducted to ensure it is there and done properly.
Windows & Glazing – if installing new windows opt for wooden, UVPC or thermally broken aluminium frames with the appropriate glass. There are many types and the right one depends on the situation so best to ask a professional first. Rule of thumb is to double glaze the areas you live in the most and use window treatments (curtains, roman blinds etc) on the other areas. If renovating resell the old windows (if they are in decent condition) online or through a builders recycler.
Heating and cooling systems – If you need to install heating or cooling systems, opt for one that can be zoned at minimum to living areas and bedroom areas and ensure you can close off those areas when the system is on. Place the thermostat in an appropriate place (not the hallway) and get the most energy efficient one you can.
Appliances – If you’re updating your hot water system, gas boosted solar is the cheapest to run but has the highest capital outlay so you should check that it is appropriate for your home first. Alternatively gas instantaneous or gas storage (in that order) is the most cost effective to run. With any appliance you look at purchasing check the star ratings and choose the most energy efficient, (and where relevant water efficient) models you can. With all the new technology available these days there really is no excuse for a badly performing, energy or water guzzling appliance.
Non-toxic cabinetry and finishes – Cabinetry, bench tops and finishes can make a significant difference to those with allergies. E0 type cabinetry boards (which have 0 toxic chemicals in them), use of glues and adhesives that are non-toxic, careful selection of bench tops, flooring and paints all contribute to healthier indoor air quality and better environments.
The range of non-toxic products available continues to grow in line with consumer demand giving us better options and choices to create a home that is comfortable, efficient and healthy for our families.
Finally, if you want to know what to look for in a home when you’re building or buying, download a copy of our free checklist ‘What to look for in a home’