Making your home energy-efficient is the way of the future. And in the case of building your custom dream home, this is something you’ll definitely want to consider. Building your home with energy efficiency in mind not only helps lower your carbon footprint, but it helps make your home more comfortable and can save you quite a bit on your energy bills, too! Read on for five ways you can make your new home energy efficient.
Pick the layout that meets all your needs!
Designing for Efficiency
The best thing about a custom home is you can create it to be functional and fashionable. You used to have to choose one or the other, but not anymore! Now, it’s easy to design a home with a beautiful floorplan that can maximize energy savings.
Consult with a professional builder so you can work together on creating your perfect energy-efficient home. The professionals can help you secure a floor plan that meets your needs, looks and energy-saving wise, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Bright Windows
With so many options to choose from for your custom home, did you know windows can be one of them?
There are many energy-efficient windows out there for you to choose from. These windows have insulating glass that prevents heat transfer in or out of your home. Another thing you’ll want to consider is the frame around your window as well. A good frame (like one made from fiberglass or vinyl) can help bump up the insulation and energy savings. Look for Energy Star windows for your custom home, as these windows are approved by the Department of Energy and will help lower your energy bill!
Picking the Right Appliances
Since we mentioned Energy Star, let’s talk about picking the right appliances. Nowadays, our home is filled with appliances we use every single day. So, wouldn’t you want your appliances and electronic devices to be energy-efficient too?
Yep! From washing machines to stovetops, you can pick an energy-saving model for almost every appliance in your home. Those with the Energy Star certification are ones you can be sure will help save you energy without sacrificing performance.
Don’t Forget the Water Heater
You may not think about your water heater too often, but choosing the wrong one can cost you hundreds of dollars in operating costs. Deciding on your water heater is the second-largest opportunity for efficiency improvement, so it’s something you’ll want to consider.
An on-demand water heater might sound nice but can cost a lot since it’s keeping that water stored at a high temperature constantly. A traditional water heater will only heat the water when you need it and will earn you significant savings down the road.
This yard is an excellent example of creative landscaping as these trees provide shade that reduces heat transfer in the home.
Creative Landscaping
There are quite a few pros to nice landscaping that go beyond aesthetics. When done right, it can actually help regulate the temperature inside your home.
Strategically planted trees and other plants can provide natural shade in areas of your home that receive the most sun, which can dramatically reduce heat transfer. It might cost more to get a landscaper to come out and design the perfect layout, but it will earn you energy savings in the end!
Build Your Energy Efficient Home with Ridgeline Homes
Based in Montrose, Colorado, we’re here to help you make your vision come to life. So, if you’re dreaming of an energy-efficient home, we will help you achieve that. Contact us to start talking about how we can make your dream home a reality!
