How to Maximize Energy Efficiency When Designing a Home

Designing an energy-efficient home is an effective way to help the environment while also saving on expenses. Features that boost your energy efficiency, such as proper insulation and tightly sealed windows, can also lower your utility bills. As you decrease your energy consumption with modern appliances and heating and cooling systems, you can have a positive environmental impact while improving your indoor air quality and comfort.

Learn more about some energy-efficient home designs you can use in your new build to decrease your carbon footprint, save on energy costs, and make your home's interior more comfortable.

Features of Energy-Efficient Home Design

When planning an energy-efficient home blueprint, there are several features you can include to optimize your energy usage and spending. Consider incorporating the following designs and components to help increase cost savings while decreasing energy consumption.

Sufficient Insulation

Proper insulation enables you to build a secure thermal boundary between your home and the outdoors. When you use insulating materials with high R-values, your heating and cooling system won't have to work as hard to maintain comfortable indoor air temperatures. You can lower costs and energy consumption by using your heating and cooling system more efficiently.

Insulating your home's walls, floors, foundation, and attic minimizes heat transfer and prevents air leaks. Openings, joints and connectors in your home's framing are also susceptible to air leaks, so pay particular attention to these areas when sealing your home to minimize leakage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that you could save about 15% on heating and cooling costs by ensuring your home has adequate insulation and air sealing. 

Effective Heating and Cooling Systems

When your heating and cooling system is customized to meet your home's unique needs, you can optimize your energy usage and lower your utility costs. Many modern systems are designed to operate with less energy while ensuring rooms throughout your home remain comfortable. Ensuring your ductwork is insulated and air-sealed also improves system performance.

Having a smart thermostat system is one of the best ways to enhance your heating and cooling system's energy efficiency. You can program the thermostat to learn your family's routines and match their comfort levels throughout the day. With automatic settings, you can easily lower energy consumption and costs when no one is home.

Modern Appliances

Designing and building a new home gives you the opportunity to incorporate modern appliances that are designed to optimize energy usage. Choose home appliances built with sustainable technology that decreases energy waste. You can check for the blue Energy Star label to see if the appliance meets high standards for quality and energy efficiency.

Newer washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators often prioritize high efficiency. These appliances use water and energy more efficiently while maintaining performance and lowering costs. Also plan to use low-flow fixtures for faucets, toilets, and showerheads to help you reduce water usage and water heating costs.

Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Choose energy-efficient windows to minimize the heat that escapes and enters your home. Installing double or triple-pane glass and insulated frames can make your home more comfortable while reducing your energy usage and costs. Low-emissivity (low-e) glass coatings, while more costly than regular windows, can return a 30% to 50% reduction in energy loss. Modern windows that prioritize energy efficiency are also attractive, enabling you to enhance your home's curb appeal.

Remember doors, too, when planning your home. Exterior doors should be made with materials that reduce heat transfer, such as fiberglass, composite materials, or insulated wood. They should also have sufficient weatherstripping to prevent air leaks and keep your home comfortable throughout the year. Insulated garage doors can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home, allowing your heating and cooling system to operate more efficiently.

LED Lighting

Using LED light bulbs can help you improve your home's energy efficiency since they last longer and consume less energy than other light bulb options. You can save money on your energy bill and on light bulb replacement costs, all while reducing waste and energy consumption. LED bulbs contain no toxic materials and are built to be durable.

LED light bulbs are also better at converting electrical energy into light. Other light bulbs, such as incandescent and fluorescent, tend to lose a significant amount of energy as heat. With less heat production and more light generation, LEDs are safer and more energy-efficient.

The best way to enjoy an energy-efficient home plan is to work with builders experienced in energy-efficient designs. Professionals who know how to use effective and environmentally friendly construction methods can improve your home's energy efficiency. With experienced designers and builders on your side, you can save money, decrease energy consumption, and make your home more comfortable.

Construction methods that prioritize energy efficiency include:

• Minimizing construction waste: Using efficient building techniques, such as designing and measuring components specifically for your home, reduces waste. For enhanced sustainability, go with a builder that responsibly recycles construction materials, including drywall and vinyl siding.
• Including ventilation: Careful attic design should include proper ventilation that reduces heat and moisture buildup underneath your roof. The attic's ventilation system should let fresh air in while allowing heat to escape.
• Using quality materials: Look for builders who are committed to using sustainable and durable building materials that give you the best value for your investment. Building with quality materials ensures your home will last with minimal waste production or need for replacement. 
• Focusing on framing and sealing: Well-sealed ductwork connectors and wood joints can prevent heat from entering or escaping your home. Framing techniques that provide more space for insulation around your home also allow you to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient interior environment.
• Incorporating a vapor barrier on concrete floors: Basements are notorious for being damp and prone to mold and mildew growth. However, concrete floors installed with vapor barriers and proper drainage prevent moisture from building up inside your home. This decreases the risks of mold growth and ensures a safe and healthy environment for your family.

Partner With an Energy-Efficient Homebuilder

Bring your dream home to life with Keystone Custom Homes. Through effective design and building techniques, our team can help you enjoy greater energy efficiency in your home. We stand by all of our work with a 20-year structural warranty. As you work with our experienced team to create your new home, you can have a positive environmental impact while decreasing energy costs and ensuring your comfort. 

Browse our energy-efficient floorplans to get started on your homebuilding journey! You can also call our team at 717-368-9831 or contact us online to learn more about our building process and how we prioritize energy-efficient designs.