The Benefits of Building an Energy Efficient Home
As new or long-time homeowners, you always look for ways to make your homes more comfortable, cost-effective, and as sustainable as possible. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by incorporating energy-saving elements into your new home construction or home addition. These features reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Furthermore, an energy efficient home will sell for 2.7% more than a non efficient home. In this blog, we'll explore the various energy-saving options you can add to your home design and how they benefit your lifestyle and property value.
Energy and Cost Savings: Options for Your Home Addition or Build
There are various options available to help you create an energy efficient home that will also add to your property value and help to accentuate your lifestyle:
Solar Panels:
Over 4.2million homes in the United States have these sleek panels installed on their homes. They harness the sun's energy and convert it into electricity,providing a clean and renewable power source. Solar panels can increase your home's value by up to 4.1% and save you up to $400 per year on your energy bills.
Smart Thermostats:
Smart thermostats learn your family's schedule and preferences to optimize your heating and cooling usage efficiently while keeping your home at the desired temperature. They can save you up to 8%on your energy bills annually. Since most smart thermostats have an associated app, you can even remotely set the temperature in your home.
Insulation
Proper insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation materials like fiberglass,cellulose, or spray foam reduce heat transfer. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) estimates you can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
LED Lighting
Another way to create an energy efficient home is with LED lights. They use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs,and high-quality ones can last up to 30 times longer and are also free of toxic chemicals like mercury. They come in many styles, so you can use them inside or outside the home.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Purchase appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guide lines set by the EPA. These appliances use less energy and water, reducing your utility bills and carbon footprint.
Double-Glazed Windows
Double-glazed windows reduce heat transfer by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass. This reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, saving you up to 25% on your energy bills.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip systems deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. They're also more efficient than traditional sprinkler systems by delivering water directly to the source in a controlled manner.
Creating an Energy Efficient Home: An Achievable and Sensible Trend
Incorporating energy-saving elements into your home design is a wise investment that benefits your wallet and the environment. Not only is it easier to acquire and include all of the energy-saving components mentioned above, but you aren't sacrificing the beauty of your home design. Remember to prioritize the features that best suit your lifestyle and budget, and don't hesitate to consult with the professionals at Absolute Builders for any questions.