Whether you are having a custom home built or are wanting to improve the overall efficiency of your current home, knowing what an energy efficient home is will allow you to make your home as efficient as possible. At Alderidge Construction, they understand current step code requirements and how beneficial it can be to add energy efficient elements into the overall design for your custom home or home renovation project. That is why they will work closely with you and an energy advisor to find the best solutions for making your home energy efficient.
What Makes a Home Energy Efficient?
Energy efficient homes are specifically designed to minimize unnecessary energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of non-renewable resources. By using a wide range of energy efficient products and strategies, energy efficient houses can promote healthier living conditions, while also saving homeowners significant money over time. Depending on the municipality, certain step code requirements and the use of an energy advisor will be needed to meet specific efficiency standards.
Some of the products and strategies that can be used to help make a home as energy efficient as possible include:
1. Design
The design of a project plays a significant role in the overall efficiency of a home. Window placement as well as looking at decreasing exterior wall surface area with less corners are considerable factors when considering energy efficiency.
2. Insulation
Since hidden cracks in attics and crawlspaces can cause heating and cooling systems to work harder, energy efficient homes are designed to be well insulated and completely sealed against air leaks. Adding insulation to the attic and outer walls and ensuring that the house is properly sealed can be one of the most cost-effective solutions for improving a house’s overall energy efficiency.
3. Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
In order to maximize the overall efficiency of heating and cooling a house, these systems should only be used when necessary and they should be properly maintained (changing air filters regularly and having the systems serviced to meet the manufacturer’s recommendations). It is also important to ensure that duct work is properly insulated and sealed to prevents leaks.
4. Energy Star Rated Products
Installing Energy Star rated appliances, fans, lights, heating and cooling systems, and even building materials can help significantly increase the overall efficiency of your home. When shopping for new appliances and other products, make sure to look for the Energy Star rating.
5. Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design works to use the sun’s natural light and heat to reduce the need for additional light and heat sources throughout a house. If you are building a new home, make sure to talk to your custom home builder about incorporating passive solar design into the initial planning and construction for your new home.
6. Highly Insulated Doors and Windows
Having highly insulated doors and windows installed in your home can help ensure that the building envelope is airtight, preventing cold air from seeping inside in the winter and from cool air seeping out in the summer.
If you would like to learn more about what an energy efficient home is or about how you can make your home more energy efficient, please contact Alderidge Construction at 1-844-RENO-453 or by booking a consultation on their website.