Energy efficient homes afford comfortable living
Whether you’re renovating or building a new home, choosing a design concept that is energy efficient not only helps save money, but also provides a comfortable living space year round.
The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with nearly half going to heating and cooling costs, according to energystar.gov.
With rising costs in fuel and electric rates, Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) said energy efficiency is trending now more than ever as a way of life for a growing number of homeowners who embrace sustainable living.
“Today’s new homes include features that will help homeowners reduce energy consumption and enhance the conveniences of modern living,” said Ed Brady, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “Our builders are telling us that energy efficiency continues to be a top demand from consumers.”
A recent survey by NAHB revealed that four of the top 10 features builders said they are most likely to use in new construction included low-E windows, Energy Star-rated appliances and windows, and programmable thermostats.
Likewise, the features correspond with the same list that consumers said are most important to them.
According to NAHB’s latest survey of home buyer preferences, Energy Star appliances and windows, as well as an Energy Star rating for the entire house, are among the top five most-wanted features.
“Leaky windows and doors are a major contributor to energy inefficiency, said Dennis Alexander, owner of Dennis Alexander Construction of Uniontown.
As part of the survey, home buyers indicated they are willing to pay more for a home if they can get lower utility costs in return that amounts to an average additional $10,732 up front to save $1,000 a year in utilities.
Alexander said his business installs Smart thermostats, which is an easy and cost effective way to save money.
He added that regulating your thermostat by two degrees when you leave for work and return home can potentially cut energy consumption by 20 percent.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said its time to think about making changes if some rooms are too hot or cold, have excessive humidity or dust, have equipment that needs frequent repairs or is over 10 years old and energy bills that continue to go up.
Greenhomeguide.com notes the most effective strategy for improving household energy efficiency is to first target your home’s envelope meaning the walls, attic, windows and doors.
Next, take a look at improving your home’s internal systems such as heating, cooling, lighting and appliances.
If you want to go all the way, consider using clean energy like solar or geothermal. The EPA notes that geothermal systems save homeowners 20-50 percent in cooling costs and 30-70 percent in heating costs compared with conventional systems.
By the year 2020, Alexander said contractors can expect to see the connection of full home appliance integration with a WiFi app that manages energy consumption.
“It’s definitely a forward trend,” said Alexander.
To conserve energy, BHG offers the following tips to trim costs without significantly affecting your budget and lifestyle.
n Check windows for drafts or leaks. Close all windows and doors during the day in summer, locking windows to eliminate leaks and shutting any curtains or shades to stop heat gain. In the winter, reduce cold air flow by sealing or using a plastic sheet insulator kit.
n Turn your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter, and use fans strategically. Keep your air conditioning set at 78 degrees in the summer and at 68 degrees in the winter. Ceiling fans can also be used to blow air down in the summer and draw it up in winter. Box fans will help move air across rooms.
n Stop small air leaks around your house by tightening door hinges and replacing loose weather stripping. Check for cracks in the foundation and use a foam sealant to fill them. Insulate water pipes in unheated spaces to keep them from freezing and save energy. Inspect the chimney to ensure that the flue seal is good.
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