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With rising energy prices and increased environmental awareness, having an energy-efficient home is a huge focus for many residents across the state. Between environmental friendliness and a lowered electricity bill, there are many benefits to prioritizing these features in your home.
If you’re planning on constructing a new home or renovating a current one, here are five elements to focus on to ensure you get the most out of your home’s efficiency.
A well-sealed and properly insulated home is the foundation of energy efficiency. Without airtight construction, even the top heating or cooling systems will struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature. This ends up wasting energy and money.
Choosing the proper insulation materials is equally important especially in the basement and attic, as they are two major heat-loss areas. If your home is poorly insulated or not sealed well, heat can easily escape during winter or make your home unbearably hot in the summer.
Windows and doors are other large sources of heat loss and gain, so installing well-insulated windows and doors can drastically improve your home’s overall comfort. Multi-paned windows with an insulating gas—like argon—and doors that have an insulating core are excellent for reducing heat transfer.
You’ll also want to pay attention to window and door frame materials. Choose window frames made from wood, vinyl, or fiberglass as these have better insulation properties. Gaps around windows, doors, plumbing, and other areas can also be a problem but high-quality caulking and weatherstripping can seal these gaps.
Lighting is sometimes overlooked in energy-efficient home design, but it accounts for around 15% of an average home’s electricity use. As lighting technology advances, it’s easier than ever to light your home efficiently without sacrificing brightness or style.
Smart lighting systems allow you to control lights remotely, set schedules, or use motion sensors. This way, you can ensure that lights are only on when needed, further cutting energy use.
You might also consider using LED bulbs in light fixtures. They are the most energy-efficient lighting options on the market. They use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
Heating systems use the most energy out of everything in your home so maximizing your system’s efficiency will go a long way.
Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient options, as they move heat rather than generate it. These systems work for both heating and cooling, making them a versatile choice. Continuing with Smart Home technology, programmable thermostats optimize temperature settings based on your daily schedule.
Installing solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity and is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable. Solar water heaters also use the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. Additionally, if you’re building a new home, there are ways to position it to capture maximum sunlight during the winter and shade during the summer.
These techniques are highly efficient and can drastically cut down on the energy used for heating your home and water, which both account for a significant portion of home energy consumption.
Building an energy-efficient home requires thoughtful planning and investment, but the long-term benefits are substantial. For large-scale home construction projects and renovations, it’s important to partner with an experienced general contractor.
Since 2005, Premier Construction has been providing Iowans with top-quality design and construction services. Whether you are completing a remodel or a new construction project, you can count on us to be there every step of the way.
Contact us today to get started with a quote!