How to Build an Energy Efficient Home

Building an energy efficient home isn’t only helpful for you as a homeowner, but it’s also kind to nature as well. If you already have a home, you can make it energy efficient by making upgrades. However, if you’re building one from scratch, there are several considerations and choices to make to end up living in a cost-efficient home. Check out the following tips to help you conserve as much energy as you can at home:

Consider your doors and windows.

An important thing to do when it comes to energy efficient homes is to use energy efficient doors and windows. These windows and doors should not only work efficiently but they should also look great as well. Many energy efficient windows and doors will come with a glass panel on the inside of the door. By doing this, you will be able to save money on your energy bills each month. Learn more about energy efficiency at home.

Replace old window frames.

By changing old, inefficient window frames, you can increase the effectiveness of your home’s heat and air circulation. You can also keep your energy costs down by installing insulation around your home. This means that you will be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to heat or cool your home. While insulation is not something you can install yourself, you can always ask the help of a professional.

Check your appliances.

It is also important to look into the energy efficiency of appliances like furnaces, heaters, air conditioners, and refrigerators. By purchasing energy efficient appliances, you will be able to keep money in your pocket by reducing the amount of energy your appliances consume. They can also include appliances and devices that use less energy such as a water heater.

Use solar-powered devices.

You can also choose to buy energy-efficient appliances for your home, especially those that use renewable resources like solar energy. Using solar energy to light, heat, or cool your home is a great way to cut down on the amount of money you are spending on your energy bills each month. Although expensive, these devices will reduce your home energy bills in the long run, helping you save money over the years.

Check your home’s insulation.

Insulation is also an important part of building an energy efficient home. It is an effective way of reducing heating and cooling costs. Insulation acts as a barrier between your inside air and the outside of your house. You will pay more for an airtight home and less for an open one. The most common types of insulation used are shingles, board and tile.

Keep your HVAC running efficiently.

Cleaning or replacing air filters can help considerably, reduce your cooling system’s energy consumption by fifteen percent. It’s also best to have your air conditioner’s evaporator coil cleaned at least once a year to ensure that your HVAC is performing efficiently.

Choose eco-friendly construction materials.

Your local building code may have specific requirements about what type of material you use. In addition, you may want to consider adding additional insulation if you want to make your home more energy efficient. When building your home, ask the builders for a list of materials they plan to use. Find out if they’re eco-friendly or energy efficient. If they’re not, try to find alternatives. More importantly, in choosing a builder it’s important to discuss your preferences. If they’re not willing to work with your goals, then it’s best to one who will.

Use LED lights.

The lighting designs you choose is another factor to help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Use LED technology to help you save money on your energy bills. They’re not only energy-saving, they’re also expected to last longer than other kinds of lighting options.

Keep your home clean.

Another way to build an energy efficient home is to keep your home clean. Many times, energy efficient homes are designed with windows and doors that are free of dirt, grease, dust and grime. Keeping your home neat helps you feel good about being able to live in it and makes life more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Although green home construction isn’t considered a standard yet, there might come a day when it will be. Despite this, you still have the choice to choose the materials to use for your home, the appliances to use, lighting options, insulation, efficient doors and windows, and a builder to help you create a green home. As you learn how to build an energy efficient home you can save money, protect the environment and feel good about your home. Learning how to build a green home will help you feel at ease to know that your home is doing its best to conserve energy.