Climate Change and Net Zero Homes: A Likely Pair
With the climate catastrophe looming and more and more people trying to become greener as they reduce their carbon footprint, talk of net zero homes seems to be on the rise. We should point out here that by definition, net zero homes are homes that create as much energy as they consume, for a net energy consumption of zero or less.
This phenomenon is currently made possible through advances in solar power, which allows for people to build solar panel homes that absorb their energy directly from the sun. Combine this with energy-efficient construction, energy-efficient practices, and a little bit of luck, and you wind up with a net zero home. So is it worth the investment? Read on to find out.
The Cost of a Net Zero Home
So is a net zero home actually worth it? Building a net zero home means taking on the added expense of solar panels, as well as additional insulation; insulated, energy-efficient windows; LED lighting; low-flow water fixtures; and energy-efficient appliances. Now the question becomes more specific for you: is it worth all that effort?
The Benefits of a Net Zero Home
In most cases, the answer is a clear yes. Some areas, like California, have or may soon be instituting requirements, like solar panels, for new buildings that may already have you on your way towards a net zero building. But either way, over the course of your home ownership, you should definitely see a net positive return for the investment.
California estimates suggest that purchasing a net zero home will require a loan that will add an average of $40 to your mortgage payment per month, but will save you $80 on energy costs like lighting, heating, and cooling. That means, for an investment of $9,500, you should expect to see $19,000 in savings over 30 years.
Of course, the benefits of having a net zero home go far beyond the money you will save. You will be doing your part to reduce our world’s dependence on fossil fuels, which are a non-sustainable resource and which many scientists feel are destroying the environment through the ways in which they are mined and processed.
There are other challenges to having a net zero home, however. Storing energy still remains an expensive proposition, which is why many who use solar power stay connected to the power grid. They typically also have a metering arrangement, where they draw power from the grid when they need it, and feed power into the grid when they don’t.
You will also still want to use your energy responsibly, only using air conditioning and heating and lights when necessary.
Getting a Mortgage Loan for a Net Zero Home
Ten years ago, a mortgage lender might have looked at you funny when you requested a higher mortgage in order to purchase a net zero home, but these days, this is no longer the case. Many lenders recognize that net zero is the wave of the future in home building, and wanting an energy-efficient home is often the sign of a responsible borrower.
Because of these factors, you should not have any more difficulty finding a mortgage lender for a net zero home than for any other home.
Onlinelendersearch.com can make it even easier to find the right mortgage for your next net zero home investment. With Onlinelendersearch.com, you can be connected with multiple mortgage lenders electronically almost immediately with just a few clicks. Just provide some basic information and submit it for a fast response. You can then compare lenders and decide which one is the right one for your net zero home mortgage loan. Give it a try right now and see for yourself!
