6 Ways To Make Your New Home Energy Efficient

Building a new home? One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Greener homes leave a smaller impact on the environment and can save you money on future household bills. Here are seven ways you can make your new home more efficient than your current home.1. WINDOWSWindows are the biggest source of heat gain in your home. Choosing energy efficient windows while you are building your new home can minimize the loss of cool air and heat gain via your windows in the summer. Work with a supplier to choose double or triple-paned windows that are Energy Star rated.2. SOLAR PANELSMany energy companies offer the option of installing solar panels on the roof of your home. Though, in most cases, the electricity generated by the panels does not go directly into your home, your power company may reduce the amount of your bill according to the amount of solar energy the panels on your home produce.3. APPLIANCESFurnishing your home with Energy Star rated appliances will save you money on your power bill, as well as leave less of an ecological impact. For best results, install new, energy efficient models of these appliances:. Washing Machine-Look at performance reviews. The most efficient washing machines extract more water from each load, which shortens drying time.. Water Heater-Consider installing an on-demand or tankless water heater. These alternative water heaters require less electricity because they only heat the water you actually use instead of maintaining a constant supply of hot water.. Refrigerator-Energy Star fridges use up to 20% less energy than traditional fridges, which can save a potential 125 in costs over the life of the fridge.Do some research into federal and state incentives and reimbursements available to help you furnish your home with Energy Star rated appliances.4. INSULATIONProperly sealing and insulating your home is essential to maintaining an efficient heating and cooling system in your new home. Choosing the best insulation for your home can save you money and help regulate the inside temperature. Talk to a custom homes builder like Satori Custom Homes about the best insulation options for your area.5. PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATSet your heating and cooling system up for success by installing a programmable thermostat. It's recommended that you set the thermostat to the mid-70s during the day in the summer months, and 85 overnight and when you are away from the house. Use a fan to circulate the cool air instead of turning the unit down.During the winter, set the thermostat to about 68 while you're awake and lower when you and your family are sleeping. You can save 5-15% on your heating bill annually by turning your thermostat down 10 to 15 for eight hours every day. The best thing about a programmable thermostat is that you don't have to remember to change the temperature; the thermostat will automatically change to save you the most money.6. LANDSCAPEYou can plan your landscape to best respond to the climate to save even more energy. Tree position can save as much as 25% of energy typically used in a household, by providing strategic shade and conducting seasonal breezes. Here are a few ways you can use your landscape to your advantage:. Use windbreaks to deflect seasonal wind-Dense trees and shrubs, such as evergreens, can block harsh winter gusts and decrease wind chill on your property.. Install an irrigation system for your garden and flower beds-Avoid planting too close to your home and invest in a drip system for efficient watering.. Use a trellis or arbor for summer shade-These structures provide shade without blocking summer breezes.Consult with your building contractor to determine which energy efficient options will best benefit you in your new home.