With a growing focus on the environment and how to slow the creep of climate change, home remodeling contractors are receiving increasingly more questions about the concept of net zero homes and how to achieve them.

For those planning a home remodel, this is a great time to consider ways to reduce that building’s carbon footprint.

With the right modifications, home remodeling services can help environmentally-conscious homeowners reduce their effect on the environment and work toward having a net zero home!

What Is A Net Zero Home?

A net zero home is one that generates as much energy as it uses every year so there is zero contribution to the structure’s carbon footprint, which is the amount of greenhouse gases generated to run the residence.

To achieve net zero, homeowners typically invest in home remodels that improve home efficiency with the addition of various energy-efficient technologies while simultaneously reducing energy loss with energy-conserving home engineering designs.

What Strategies Will Achieve A Net Zero Home?

Reducing a home’s carbon footprint to the point that it is net zero involves investments in home remodeling services that address these important strategies:

User-Friendly Household Monitoring Systems - The only way to achieve net zero, regardless of all other modifications made to a home, is with effective monitoring and the consistent use of efficient technologies. This requires that home remodeling contractors install residential systems that make monitoring energy production and consumption more user-friendly so that homeowners remain vigilant in their efforts to reach net zero.
Proper Building Orientation - To achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency, houses should be positioned in such ways as to minimize the effect of direct sunlight on the house in locations with hotter climates and have a “building envelope” that is designed for energy conservation. The building envelope or space between the building’s exterior and interior should be improved in a home remodel to include energy-efficient insulation, windows, doors, and roofing.
Energy-Efficient Home Appliances - Updated appliances and HVAC designed to consume less energy are critical elements when designing for a net zero home. With lower energy consumption from the most costly appliances to run, achieving net zero can be easier.
Indoor Air Quality - Whole house air purification systems installed by home remodel services are necessary to ensure a cleaner interior environment and healthier indoor air quality.
Rainwater Collection and Xeriscaping - Using drought-resistant landscaping and a rainwater collection system, homeowners can still benefit from a beautifully landscaped lot while significantly reducing their water consumption.
Solar Energy Production - A significant component for achieving net zero, homeowners must include solar roofing and a strong energy storage system as part of their overall remodeling project. Combined with the other elements and design features addressed with an experienced home remodeling contractor, energy-producing solar roofing systems installed by an experienced solar roofer provide the energy generation required to offset home energy usage.

Plan With A Skilled Home Remodeling Contractor

A net zero home is a great home remodel concept that can create personal comfort and save on monthly costs, while also saving the environment.

To achieve this, homeowners must plan with an experienced home remodel service to address the necessary elements for improving energy efficiency and finding the best ways to adopt them.

Learn more about reaching net zero from a home remodeling contractor who understands this concept and has some creative ideas for how to make it a reality!