5 must-have features for your eco-friendly home

These days, building a home that’s eco-friendly isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. With energy and utility rates rising, as well as the climate change concerns, having an energy efficient home is an easy way to keep your wallet and the planet happy. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when building your home at Panorama Portarlington:

Insulation

Good quality insulation is vital to building an energy efficient home. It’s the most cost effective way to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, minimising your need for excessive heating and cooling. Sustainability Victoria states that a fully insulated home can save up to 40-50% per year in heating and cooling costs, in comparison to a non-insulated home.

Solar

The sun’s energy can be harnessed in a number of ways. Two popular ways are solar water heating and solar power.

Water heating

Solar hot water systems pump water though solar collectors on your home’s roof where the water is heated by the sun and then pumped back to a storage cylinder. When there isn’t enough sunshine to heat the water, these systems are powered by an electric or gas backup. 

Solar power

A solar power system works by using solar panels, installed on your home’s roof to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The electricity is used to power the appliances in your home and any excess electricity is exported to the electricity grid. Electricity will be drawn from the grid to power your home at night time or when your solar panels cannot produce enough energy for your consumption.

Rainwater

Installing a rainwater tank is another excellent way to build an eco-friendly, cost-saving home. Rainwater tanks essentially collect water that runs off your roof from rainfall and is stored for use in your home’s toilets. Toilets are one of the biggest water users in your home and by installing a rainwater tank, you can save hundreds of litres per week. 

Double-glazing

Similarly to using good quality insulation, double-glazing your windows can significantly reduce heat loss in cool months and heat gain in warm months. Double-glazed windows work by using two layers of glass with a space between them. An added bonus of double-glazing is they also help to block out noises from outside the home.

Lights

It’s common knowledge that lights can consume a lot of energy, but the good news is that they don’t have to! LED lighting uses much less energy than traditional lights, while producing the same brightness. Additionally, LEDs are much longer lasting than other types of light bulbs, meaning you’ll save on energy consumption and replacement costs.

If you’re looking for a home that offers all these sustainable solutions and more, check out our newest House & Land Package, from Pivot Homes. Boasting a Six Star Energy Rating this home also includes a number of luxury features and high end inclusions.

From Pivot Homes –

“Designed for a sloping block with views to the north or east, this beautiful reverse living home enables you to capture all those beautiful views from the first floor.

Open plan living focuses on functional space and lots of natural light. It features a lift, a large modern kitchen, walk in pantry and seamless connection to a front alfresco deck, perfect for entertaining whilst enjoying the outlook.

An open study nook and private master bedroom with ensuite and walk in robe can also be found upstairs. There are a further three bedrooms with built in robes featuring mirrored robe doors downstairs.

There, you’ll also find a second living area, ample storage, laundry and connection to the rear yard. The Coastal façade with its skillion roof, alfresco deck, feature shroud and feature spotted gum timber posts showcase its captivating street presence.”