Energy-Saving Features to Include in Your Custom Home

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As you plan your custom home, there are plenty of energy-saving features to choose from. When you design your home to be energy efficient, you’re benefitting both your wallet and the environment. Here are a few energy-saving features to consider in your home design. Consult with your custom home builder to find out what energy-efficient features they recommend.

Insulation

Start implementing energy-saving features at the base level of your home design. Advanced house framing, sometimes referred to as optimum value engineering, reduces the amount of lumber used in the structure of your home and cuts back on material and labor costs. This method also increases the use of insulation in the structure of your home, which can, in turn, reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 5% annually. This energy-efficient feature will save you both up front and in the long run.

If you aren’t interested in using this alternative framing method, you can still ensure that your home is well insulated. Consult your contractor about the best insulation products for your home. Properly insulating your exterior walls, attic, and crawlspace or basement will help keep your energy bills low.

Doors, Windows, and Skylights

Some other features that can make a substantial impact on your energy savings are the doors, windows, and skylights used in your custom home. Doors, windows, and skylights can reduce your need for electricity by allowing more natural light into your home. Choosing energy-efficient models will also protect your home from energy loss. Regardless of the style of doors, windows, and skylights you choose, opt for ENERGY STAR qualified products, which reduce energy bills by an average of 12% nationwide.

Appliances and HVAC System

There are several ways to implement energy-saving features into your home’s interior as well. One significant way to secure energy savings is to select efficient ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and heating and cooling systems. You can use the ENERGY STAR label as a guide to purchasing many other features of your home as well, including roofing products, lighting fixtures, water heaters, and A/V equipment. If you want to implement energy-saving strategies throughout your entire home, consult the ENERGY STAR website. ENERGY STAR offers helpful tips, home assessment tools, and even a rebate finder to make savings easy for you.

Eco-Friendly Technology

There are a number of home automation systems that can help you monitor, control, and reduce your energy usage. In particular, consider choosing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. These devices will help you save money by reducing energy consumption and giving you complete control over your system. Home automation systems can also be used to control lighting, security, and access points.

Decor

Finally, as you put the finishing details on your home design, remember that you can also achieve energy savings through your interior design. Follow these tips for greater energy efficiency:

Cover your windows well during peak sunlight hours in the summer and on particularly cold days in the winter.
Avoid blocking air vents with furnishings.
Switch to LED lights and use ENERGY STAR fixtures.
Add area rugs during the winter to help maintain comfortable floor temperature.
Use color judiciously throughout your home, remembering that dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it.

If you’re ready to begin planning your Des Moines-area custom home, contact the professionals at Homes by Brill. Our team of home building experts can help you design the energy-saving home of your dreams. With more than 30 years of experience, we’re proud to partner with our clients throughout the entire home construction process. Schedule your consultation to learn more about building with Homes by Brill.