Eco-friendly features not only make a house better for the environment but they also reduce your monthly expenses, and can even increase the overall value of your home. Here’s the rub: they cost money. Sometimes, a lot of it.

Can you even build an eco-friendly house when you’re on a tight budget? Companies like Cougar Homes in Cairns can help make it possible. Read on to find out how you can fight climate change as you build your new house.

Short Answer:

Yes. Longer answer: Yes, but you probably aren’t looking at big eco-friendly features. Solar panels can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the same is pretty much true of all other alternative energy options as well. There are, however, simple things you can do to engineer your home to be eco-friendly on a budget

Windows

Energy-efficient windows work as a form of insulation, keeping your heating and cooling in, and outside air out. Really high-quality units can run you up a pretty steep bill. However, most modern windows are designed with at least a degree of sustainability in mind.

Pick the option that suits your budget.

Appliances

A new house means all new appliances. A great opportunity for energy efficiency to enter the equation. Opt for eco-friendly models. They may cost a little more but they tend to save you money in the long run.

You can also do the same for your washer/dryer, and other kitchen appliances. High efficiency units save money and tend to perform better than dated units. The perception is often that eco-friendly comes at the cost of power, but that’s not how things play out most of the time.

IoT

Internet of Things technology allows you to automate many of your home functions, including heating and cooling. An IoT-infused thermostat, for example, will monitor activity levels in your house. When people are active, they might use energy. When people aren’t, it will cool down.

You save money and reduce carbon emissions with the same move. IoT devices come with a slightly higher price tag than their alternatives. You’ll see, for example, that smart thermostats often run $100 or more, while a basic unit costs half that.

The devices usually pay for themselves within a few months making them a very worthy use of money.

Insulation

Finally, you want good insulation. Like the windows, this will keep the elements out and make it much easier to store heat and cooling.

Spray foam insulation is considered the cream of the crop, but it is also the most expensive. You’ll have to decide based on your own unique budget requirements. In general, though, it’s a good idea to opt for something built to last, particularly if you live in an area with hard winters.

Conclusion

Is it possible to go eco-friendly on a budget? It definitely is. What you will get depends on how much money you can put down and how creative you are with the design. Talk with your contractors about all the ways you can add eco-friendly touches to your home on a tighter budget.

There are also consultation services available that will audit your energy use and provide reduction recommendations.