From the foundation to the final touches, an energy-efficient custom home will help you live with more savings, better health, real comfort, and peace of mind.
At Compass Homes, we exist to help guide you to a home with more thought and quality per square foot, for the best value possible. We’re not about inefficient spaces that are difficult to heat and cool; we’re about building a smarter, more character-filled home … and energy efficiency is a big part of that.
Energy-efficient custom home design and materials continue to improve at a rapid pace. Many options are available to you, so you can choose the ones that best fit your needs and budget.
Some of the most important factors to consider when building an energy-efficient home:
1. Building Design
The shape and orientation of your home can greatly impact its energy efficiency. For example, a house with a simple form and a south-facing orientation will be able to capture more solar heat in the winter.
2. Insulation
Insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. To ensure your home is energy-efficient, insulate all the walls, ceilings, and floors to the highest possible standard.
3. Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are another major heat loss and gain source. Choose energy-efficient windows and doors with low U-factors and high SHGCs.
4. Heating and Cooling System
Your heating and cooling system is responsible for a significant portion of your energy use. Homeowners should look for a high-efficiency system that is properly sized for their homes.
5. Water Heating
Water heating can also be a major source of energy use. Choose an energy-efficient water heater, such as a tankless water heater.
There are several other things homeowners can do to build an energy-efficient home, such as:
6. Use Natural Light To Your Advantage
Natural light can help to reduce your energy use for lighting. Using skylights or large windows can increase the natural lighting in your home.
7. Landscaping
Trees can help shade your home in the summer, reducing your cooling costs.
8. Opt For Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design uses the sun’s heat to warm your home in the winter, significantly reducing heating costs.
There are many factors a homeowner can consider when building an energy-efficient home. When you build your custom home with Compass Homes, you can build a comfortable, efficient, and sustainable home.
Visit our blog for tips to inspire your dream home, and contact us today to get started.
