When people think about green homes, they naturally think about new homes built with the latest energy-efficient products and technologies. Most do not think log homes are the best for an energy-efficient structure, but in many cases, they would be incorrect. With more homeowners looking for green homes that use less energy, log homeowners typically spend less money on basic needs like water, heating, and power.
Log Homes and Energy Efficiency:
According to the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines, new log homes being constructed today use less energy both during and after construction. Many are made to use renewable energy sources, reducing CO2 in the environment and developing homes that are free of hazards like mold and other unhealthy carcinogens.
The timber used to construct the home is a green material and a renewable resource, as long as trees are replanted. Just about every part of the timber is used, from the logs, bark, and even smaller pieces that can be used to make other home products such as shelving and small frameworks. Even the leftover sawdust is used for gardening materials. So, there is extraordinarily little waste when constructing a log home.
CabinLife.com states that many log homeowners are opting for a variety of environmentally friendly options, such as:
- Rain-capturing systems. The most optimal method is to use rain barrels, which can capture around 1,300 gallons of water per month during peak weather periods.
- Innovative technology is another way building builders are developing more energy-efficient “new-build” homes. Many install solar panels, smart thermostats, and Energy Star appliances. Solar panels can be expensive to install initially, but they have a 25 to 30-year lifespan, according to HomeGo.com.
- Window designs continue to evolve. Manufacturers have had to develop windows that achieve the Energy Star rating, which includes low-E glass and multi-pane windows with gas between each layer for the most energy-efficient windows possible, per LogHome.com.
You Do Not Have to Give up Style for Energy Savings:
Today, numerous builders are creating fabulous long home styles that meet the design expectations and energy-saving features that environmentally-conscious individuals seek. Frontier Log Homes is one example of a log home builder that features numerous styles, including:
- Chink log homes
- Full scribe log homes
- Post and beam-style homes
- Timber frame homes
- Hybrid log homes
- Corner post homes
There is such a wide variety of home styles available that a good builder can typically build the type of home that meets the specific needs of the owner.
If you are considering building a log cabin home, all you need is an idea and a clear budget. With those parameters in place, you can have the log home cabin of your dreams while keeping precious environmental resources safe for future generations.
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