A Home Energy Score is a national rating system developed by the U.S. Department of Energy which reflects the efficiency of a home based on its structure, heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Newer homes with advanced technology are now scoring above and beyond the average score of older homes. This saves homeowners of new construction homes hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year in utility costs. Not only do more efficient homes save money, but they also have a smaller negative impact on the environment. Below are a few of the items and materials that we put into our new homes that make them more efficient.
Better Insulation
Proper insulation is just one element that can save you money and improve the comfort and efficiency of your home. Effectively insulating your home reduces the rate at which heat flows out of your household in the winter, and into your home in the summer. This reduces the amount of energy needed in order to heat or cool the house. Advancements in insulation manufacturing and the addition of blown-in insulation have made it easier to protect your house from the outside elements and keeps you and your family more comfortable.
More Efficient Windows
This most common area of wasted energy is leaking or drafty windows. Old windows often have broken seals which results in literally throwing money out the window. If a window does not seal correctly, then there is no barrier between the inside and outside of your home. New windows have more advanced seals that last longer and are made of more durable materials such as vinyl and aluminum. Another aspect that makes new windows more efficient is Low-E technology, which stands for low emittance. This glass is coated with a practically clear material which decreases the transmission of ultraviolet rays from outside to inside.
Eco Friendly Appliances
We all have seen the emergence of the hybrid vehicle and ecofriendly electric cars. Similarly, our appliances are on the same trend, and are becoming more and more efficient to save energy costs and the environment. Dishwashers that use less water, refrigerators that have better insulation, ranges that use less gas, and washer dryers that require less electricity are all helping to reduce the carbon footprints of our homes. Programable thermostats with targeted zones heat and cool spaces that need it, and leave the rooms that don’t.
LEED Certified Homes – What Does that Mean?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Basically, this means that the home is green from top to bottom, inside and out. All aspects of the home meet criteria that makes it an all-around eco-friendly home. On average, LEED certified homes use 20-30% less – with some homes reporting up to 60% less energy use than a standard home built to code. Building a LEED certified home adds value and are sold in less time and for more money than traditional homes.
These are just a few examples of how new homes can be built more efficiently, which ultimately saves you money and protects the environment. Want to learn more? Speak with the experts here at Icon Building Group, today.
Use our convenient online form to contact us now, or call Icon Building Group at (847) 796-6477, today.