You’re building a new home and considering all the ways you are going to make it wonderful. Now is the time to research the benefits of an energy-efficient home. When you start from the ground up, it’s possible to incorporate many ideas that people in existing homes can’t consider. So before you even start drawing up those plans, consider these approaches to the basics of an energy-efficient abode.
Your home is its own ecosystem. Envision your home as part of the environment that surrounds it. You want to consider the climate and orientation of your home as it relates to the landscape. And within the walls of your home, all elements — the materials, the systems, the appliances — should support your goal to own an energy-efficient home.
Minimize energy and maximize comfort. The internal structure of your home should be chosen to coordinate with the climate you’re living in. Heating and cooling units, ventilation, windows and doors, and other elements should help keep your home at a consistent temperature at all times of the year. Be thoughtful about where you place windows, and consider the type and amount of insulation that will be installed.
Be mindful with your choices. From your windows to your lighting to your toilets, research the most energy-efficient options and decide what meets your needs. And be sure to check and see if your builder has Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more tips on building an energy-efficient home, take a look at this article from The Nest.