Most homeowners know the importance of responsible energy use. Not only is it better for the environment, but tax credits and the possibility to lower monthly utility bills are major incentives. With that in mind, major appliance manufacturers and homebuilders now offer numerous services and products focused on energy efficiency.
If you’re a homeowner looking to decease the size of your household’s carbon footprint, while also saving a bundle of money on your energy costs, there are many ways to upgrade your home’s systems. Here, we will look at some tips for building an energy efficient house, both your own environmental responsibility and overall financial savings.
Energy Performance in Modern Homes
Although energy efficiency is a modern trend environmental agencies, such as Energy Star, have helped make responsible energy use a realistic way of life. While many typical homes are fitted with older technologies, new homes and custom homes are largely designed with energy efficiency in mind. The push for small carbon footprints among homeowners may just now be taking off in the U.S., but many other countries have already adapted an environmentally-responsible frame of mind. For example, the Australian-based company, MJS Constructions, are heritage builders, specializing in renovating both modern and historic homes and installing systems that use modern energy performance concepts. Likewise, many American consumers now consider an Energy Star rating on the specifications of their home appliances to be an important factor in making a purchase.
Modern homeowners can also consider responsible energy use when designing their ideal “dream home.” Although such elements as a durable roof and window installation remain crucial to a home’s integrity, new windows, skylights, and even patio doors are available for better insulation and year-round energy conservation. This isn’t merely for preventing drafts; improved insulation also cuts down on heat loss and wasted energy. Ask any modern installer which replacement windows are the best choice and most recommendations involve better insulation and energy savings.
Likewise, many new kitchens and bathrooms can fitted with appliances and and fixtures designed for improved energy and water consumption. If you’re looking to cut down on your own energy use, you might consider swapping out your refrigerator, dishwasher, and faucet taps for Energy Star-approved models. Aside from their fashionable designs, these appliances are a great way to bring significant energy savings to your remodel project.
Energy Efficiency in the Design
While many new homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, older homes can also be remodeled for improved heat transfer, as well as fewer instances of air leakage and energy loss. For example, one of the best ways that you can easily improve your home’s energy conservation is by swapping out your old windows for more energy efficient windows. Most new window designs have better insulation than older styles. In fact, many new replacement windows are made with panes of glass ideal for natural light and improved heat transfer, cutting down on household electricity consumption.
Depending upon the type of window you’re looking for, new glass panes can be fitted and customized for any room in your home. As far as a stylish home remodel project goes, newer deigns can be even more modern and fashionable than the previous ones. In fact, new windows aren’t merely a smart choice for effortless energy conservation. A truly perfect window project can have multiple purposes. New windows can be installed as part of a larger-scale home improvement or remodel project, making a home improvement the best time to reconsider your energy use. By selecting an efficient window design for its energy-saving purposes, you can also raise your home’s property value as you boost the home’s beauty and curb appeal.
