When you build a new custom home, you have the opportunity to get exactly what you want in terms of the kitchen layout, finishes, and other features that will surround you on a daily basis. You also have the chance to optimize something you can’t see: energy efficiency. Building an energy-efficient custom home doesn’t just benefit the environment; it also creates long-term savings and comfort for you as a homeowner. Being smart about how your home is built will allow you to enjoy lower utility bills for the life of the home and fewer drafts so that you can stay cozy.
What does it take to build an energy-efficient custom home? Probably less than you think.
1. More Insulation
A home’s insulation is one of the first lines of defense when it comes to keeping the cold out. The more you have, the less cold will be able to penetrate. Proper installation is also essential, because any gaps create an opportunity for colder air to enter your home. Extra insulation also helps keep your home cooler in the summertime, so you get the benefits of this one-time expense all year long.
2. Fewer Air Leaks
While a home is being built, the construction crew has the opportunity to seal all the gaps and holes in the ductwork, around window frames, at the connections between walls and the roof, and around any other openings that might allow air to flow between the outdoors and the conditioned spaces in your home. Sealing all these air leaks leads to fewer drafts, which means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature that allows you to be the most comfortable.
3. Better HVAC Systems
If you have a clunky, old furnace, you know how expensive heating can be in the winter. Modern Energy Star–rated systems are much more energy-efficient and therefore cost less to operate. Proper sizing of heating and cooling systems is also critical for optimizing energy efficiency. Systems that are too small will have to constantly run to keep up, while systems that are too large turn off and on too frequently, which causes them to operate inefficiently. Remember all those air leaks that were sealed up in the last step? A tightly sealed home uses an energy-efficient ventilation system to bring in fresh air and expel stale air so that you get the benefits of fresh air without causing your heating and cooling system to work harder.
4. Smart Lighting and Appliance Choices
All of the appliances and light fixtures in a home consume energy. By installing Energy Star–rated light bulbs, fixtures, and appliances, you can be sure that you are doing your part to reduce energy use in your home. Most major manufacturers offer Energy Star–rated appliances, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for energy savings.
Adair Homes has the capability to build to Energy Star specifications. This means your new custom home will meet the minimum requirements outlined by the EPA to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent to 30 percent. It allso means that you are reducing your environmental footprint while achieving long-term savings and maximum comfort. Energy efficiency is just one component of the Adair Homes Smartology approach. Contact us today to learn more.
