When searching for a home, it’s essential to consider energy efficiency. An energy-efficient home is designed to minimize energy consumption through its construction, appliances, and major features. With the increasing demand for sustainability, more families are considering cost-efficient and eco-friendly options when looking for a new home. As a result, the construction industry is becoming more conscious of the importance of energy-efficient homes. While it’s important to hire a professional home inspector to assess major sustainability concerns such as insulation, there are several features you can look for on your own. It’s crucial to identify these features to ensure you’re not sacrificing comfort for energy savings. Here are 14 features to consider and questions to ask your home inspector when searching for an energy-efficient home.
1. Consider Your Home’s Size and Shape
To optimize the energy efficiency of your home, you should consider its size and shape. A bigger home requires more resources to construct and has a larger surface area that makes it more susceptible to heat transfer and drafts, thereby increasing heating and cooling costs. The shape of your home also plays a role in its energy efficiency; open floor plans and rooms with high ceilings can be more challenging to keep warm, as they require more energy to heat. Conversely, homes with more walls and doors create confined spaces that require less energy to maintain the desired temperature. If you’re interested in learning about the most cost-effective type of house to build, you can find more information on that topic as well.
2. See Which Directions Your Windows Face
The positioning of your windows has a direct effect on the temperature and natural lighting of a room. It’s important to consider how different rooms can benefit from different directions of natural light. Rooms with North- and East-facing windows receive less natural light and are typically cooler than the other rooms. These rooms are ideal for kitchens, which generate their own heat and do not require additional light. South- and West-facing windows receive direct sunlight, keeping these rooms warm and well-lit without the need for electricity. These rooms are perfect for common family spaces, such as living rooms, that are used throughout the day. However, during the summer months, they can get quite hot, so blinds or curtains may be necessary to regulate the temperature.
3. Check That Windows and Doors Are Insulated
Your home’s energy usage can be affected by the entry points, which include windows and doors. The Department of Energy suggests that around 25% to 30% of the energy used for heating and cooling is lost through windows. Therefore, it’s important to assess your windows and consider replacing older single-pane ones with newer, more energy-efficient options, such as storm windows, extra panes, or gas-filled windows that provide better insulation. Checking your windows and doors for any air leaks or improper fits can also help you reduce your energy usage. You can do this by examining for drafts, gaps in the frames, and any sticking when opening or closing the entry points. It’s recommended to have your home inspector review all entry points to ensure there are no issues.
4. Study Up on Water Heaters
The energy consumption of water heaters accounts for 19% of an average home’s energy usage, making it the second-largest residential use of electricity, following heating and cooling. Traditional water heaters store and heat a large amount of water at once, and often, this water is not used once heated. On the other hand, tankless water heaters are more efficient as they heat water only when required. You can easily identify tankless water heaters, which are boxes mounted on walls, as opposed to large tanks. It is advisable to consult a home inspector to learn more about them.5. Take a Look at the Insulation
5. Take a Look at the Insulation
To regulate the temperature in your home, proper insulation is crucial as it prevents the transfer of heat from the inside to the outside of your home. This ensures that your heating and cooling systems do not have to work excessively. Cooling alone consumes 16% of residential energy usage, thus, knowing your home’s insulation is important. If you are planning to purchase an older home, it is advisable to consult a home inspector to ensure that the insulation is in good condition and effective.
6. See If the Appliances Are Energy Star Certified
Energy Star ratings are given to energy-efficient appliances that have been certified by the EPA. This certification can help consumers choose energy-efficient products and is easily recognizable through the blue Energy Star mark on certified appliances. If you’re considering upgrading your appliances, it’s recommended to start with those that have the greatest impact on your energy usage. Experts in the field suggest that Energy Star-certified refrigerators and clothes dryers are the most efficient upgrades you can make for energy efficiency.
7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is responsible for about 5% of the energy consumed in an average household. A simple way to conserve energy is to replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lightbulbs. LEDs use only 20% of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. To further reduce energy consumption, it’s important to ensure that light fixtures are energy-efficient and to look for fixtures with Energy Star ratings. Additionally, installing features like dimmers and timers can also help save energy, and it’s recommended to prioritize replacing fixtures in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room.
8. Look For Moisture Control and Ventilation
Making your home airtight is important for saving energy and ensuring good health. The fewer leaks your home has, the harder it is for air to escape, and the harder it is for outside air to enter. By making your home airtight, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature inside the house, which can save you money on energy bills. According to experts, the five most effective locations to air seal are window and door weather-stripping, HVAC duct sealing, pipe wall penetrations, attic hatch opening, and exterior wall outlet boxes. You should ask your home inspector to check for air leaks and get advice on how to improve your home’s air sealing and ventilation.
9. Scan For Smart Tech
Smart appliances can make your life easier and more energy-efficient. By automating your home security, morning routine, and energy usage, smart technology can help reduce your energy costs. Smart thermostats are a great way to save energy because heating and cooling systems consume more energy than other household appliances. With a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere and even set routines. Similarly, smart light systems can automate your energy use to conserve energy. Smart appliances like refrigerators and dryers also have innovative solutions for energy issues. For example, some refrigerators have cameras inside so you can see what’s in your fridge without opening the door, which can help reduce energy waste.
10. Check Out the Roof
To minimize the amount of heat that your roof absorbs from the sun, you can choose a cool roof that reflects the sun’s light instead of retaining it and generating heat. One option is to go for a light-colored roof that naturally reflects the sun’s light. If you prefer a darker roof for aesthetic reasons, you can apply a reflective coating or membrane to prevent heat retention. Cool roofs not only help to regulate the temperature inside your home but also have a positive impact on the air temperature outside. When multiple buildings in a community have cool roofs, the energy demand and emissions from power generation decrease, benefiting the entire city.
11. Ask About the Construction Materials
To achieve maximum energy efficiency in a house, it’s important to consider sustainability from the outset, including the materials used in construction. The choice of materials can significantly impact a home’s overall efficiency, especially the foundation and insulation. Some of the eco-friendly materials that might be used in a new home include insulated concrete walls, bamboo wood alternatives, recycled steel, vacuum insulation panels, and structural insulated panels.
12. Look at the Landscaping
The energy efficiency of a home can be affected by its landscaping both externally and internally. Water is typically required for landscaping, with the EPA estimating that half of the urban water use is for watering grass and gardens. To reduce water requirements, a landscape made of moss or native plants instead of grass can be used. Additionally, the size of the yard can impact the energy required to maintain the landscaping. Landscaping can also help conserve energy inside the home, with well-placed trees providing shade during summer months and allowing sunlight to help heat the home during winter. A row of trees or hedges can also protect the home from wind to better maintain its internal temperature. Lastly, consider adding good luck plants to your home’s decor
13. Ask About Energy Star Certification for the Whole Home
More and more people are opting for homes that are designed with energy efficiency in mind and are often awarded an Energy Star Certification. Such homes consume about 20% less energy on average, and this can save you both time and money when it comes to upgrades.
14.Consider Alternative Energy Solutions
Solar power is the primary residential renewable energy source in the United States. Although only 6% of homeowners have switched to it, 46% have seriously contemplated installing solar panels in their homes. Going solar is a beneficial move that can help preserve the environment, decrease your energy expenses, and potentially boost your home’s value.
Investing in an energy-efficient home is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.
By looking for features such as insulation, efficient appliances, and smart home technology, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Plus, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable living space with better air quality and temperature control. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a home that benefits both you and the planet. Consider energy efficiency when house hunting and make a choice that you can be proud of for years to come.
We believe that everyone can benefit from an energy-efficient home, no matter the age or style of the property. Even if your home wasn’t built with energy efficiency in mind, we can help. Our team of experts can conduct a thorough energy audit to identify areas where you can make improvements and help you save money on your energy bills. Let us show you how easy it can be to make your home more efficient, contact us to more information.
