9 Ways to Build a More Energy Efficient Home

Energy-efficient, green construction is the way of the future, and for homeowners building new construction homes in Wisconsin, the future is now. When you're building a new home, you're in a unique position to use sustainable materials and energy-saving innovations. At Sugar Creek Homes, we help new home buyers in Wisconsin construct the home they've always wanted, while building the most eco-friendly home possible. 

1. Choose Windows Wisely

Windows can be a source of heat loss and energy exchange, so it's important to choose windows that are made with modern innovations to improve energy efficiency. When you're shopping for new windows, different options will be available to you, including dual pane or triple pane, air-filled or gas-filled. In general, more panes mean more energy efficiency. Gas-filled windows are more efficient than air-filled. 

Low-e glass prevents the exchange of energy from indoors to outdoors (and vice-versa), which helps prevent energy loss as well as hot and cold spots indoors. When you're choosing new windows for your home, look for products made by a reputable company. ENERGY STAR certified windows are the most energy-efficient products on the market. When you're shopping, ask about models with ENERGY STAR certification.

2. Install A Smart Thermostat

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat can reduce your home's HVAC energy consumption. Unlike programmable thermostats, smart thermostats raise and lower the temperature in your home based on your preferences and behaviors.

Some smart thermostats actually know when you're home and when you're gone. While you're gone, the smart thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home to save energy. When you're close to home, the smart thermostat adjusts the settings back to your preferred temperature. 

Smart thermostats can also reduce energy consumption when you're out of the house or in bed, and then raise your consumption when you're approaching the house or waking up. 

3. Choose ENERGY STAR Appliances

ENERGY STAR appliances meet the energy-efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When you're buying appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label on the appliances you're considering. 

These appliances also save you money on utility bills. Overall, ENERGY STAR appliances tend to be good quality appliances that last. They also enjoy energy savings between 10% and 50% compared to other appliances on the market, depending on the comparison product. What's more, ENERGY STAR appliances that use resources like water (like washers and dishwashers) use less water than standard appliances, so you'll save money on more than just electricity. 

4. Focus On Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures use as much as 60% less water than standard water fixtures. Low-flow toilets are standard now. Showerheads and faucets that are specifically labeled "low flow" can have a variety of benefits. Low flow fixtures often offer a range of flow settings, so you can adjust your water usage based on your needs. 

5. Take Advantage of Daylighting

Daylighting is free! Talk to your home builder about installing windows and skylights strategically to allow maximum daylighting into your home. 

On a side note, daylight can heat up your home unless your windows block infrared light. This is why it's important to install windows that are energy efficient. When you want less daylighting, blinds and curtains can help control the environment in your home. Smart blinds can help. These blinds can be programmed to raise or lower based on how much light is entering your home, what time you want the light to enter your home and other factors. 

6. Choose the Most Efficient HVAC System for You

There are a range of HVAC systems available that are good for conserving energy while keeping your home a comfortable temperature. Heat pumps are an example. These energy-efficient appliances and can provide heat as well as air conditioning in the summer. 

Some ultra-efficient HVAC systems are eligible for tax rebates, which can save you money on tax time while also ensuring that your home is as energy efficient as possible. Talk to your home builder about the HVAC system that makes the most sense for your needs. 

7. Right-Size Your Home

The more space inside your home, the more money you'll spend heating, cooling, lighting and maintaining the interior climate. Right-sizing your home to fit your needs helps control your energy consumption. 

• Focus on storage. Right-sizing does mean cutting the fat in terms of extra space. This doesn't have to mean that your home will feel cluttered or too small to fit your items. Talk to your home builder about ways to construct smart storage spaces in your new home. 
• Be honest with yourself. Have discussions with other members of your household to determine how much space you really need and will really use in your new home.
• Remember the benefits of a right-sized house. The effort is worth it! Right-sizing your house to your needs can mean a bigger yard and money saved on utilities. 

8. Buy Local

Buy materials from local sources, like locally quarried stone and locally sourced reclaimed wood. Buying locally-sourced supplies saves on fossil fuels to transport your materials to your home, which reduces your carbon footprint. Your general contractor will be able to point you in the direction of materials from your region. 

9. Work With Your New Home Builder to Ensure Maximum Efficiency

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your home is as efficient as possible is to work with a new home builder with experience and knowledge of best sustainable building practices for your area. Building codes are strictly designed and enforced to ensure that homes consume little energy while keeping building occupants comfortable and safe. Working with an experienced new home builder will help ensure that your home will be code compliant and by extension energy efficient. 

At Sugar Creek Homes, we can help you determine which modifications to make to your home to reduce your home's energy consumption. To get started with your new home construction project, contact us today for your initial consultation.