How to Create an Energy Efficient Home

Energy efficiency is a great short and long-term investment when it comes to designing a new home or remodeling an existing home. You can save energy and money while also creating an environment that you feel the most comfortable in. With so many options for home design, here are a few tips to help you create a more energy efficient home.

How to Build An Energy Efficient Home

Whole-house systems approach

To create an energy efficient home, start out by looking at the complete picture of your energy use. Many variables are under your control, such as whether you turn lights off when you leave a room, and many are not, such as the climate.

To take a whole-house systems approach, consider these variables as well asyour home’s current or planned features, such as appliances, insulation and windows. If you focus on one element, such as insulation but neglect your windows, your energy efficiency will be much lower than if you consider both another factors, as in a whole-house systems approach.

Look for energy efficient appliances

If you are updating your appliances or choosing new ones, look for appliances that consume less energy, such as a smart washing machine that uses less water or a programmed home thermostat. There are indeed many options for energy efficient appliances that help you save electricity. They may be more expensive upfront, but they are investments that will pay for themselves in the long run.

Improve insulation

Proper insulation is necessary to have an energy efficient home. Though it is one of the fundamental steps, it is often overlooked in the care of homes. If you do not have proper insulation, you could be running your heat during the winter and have no idea that your house is working way too hard to keep it warm. In this case, that means higher costs for you and a greater environmental toll.

Consider replacing your windows

Your windows provide your home with light and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact your energy bill if they, for example, leak air. In any new home or renovation, quality windows should be installed to help your home maintain its desired temperature. Home Service direct can be consulted for your renovation needs.

Energy efficient options include double pane windows, other vinyl frames and even tinted windows. If you are renovating and need to keep your existing windows, you can improve them by adding weather-stripping, window treatments or coverings.

Use of blinds that have louvers or fins for windows

In addition to energy efficient windows, cut heat brought in by direct light with blinds. They reflect the heat away from your home and help maintain the desired temperature inside. This is especially helpful in the hot months to cut direct heat and avoid your air conditioning from working over time to compensate for heat brought in through windows.