9 Must-Include Features of an Energy-Efficient Home

The environmental and financial implications of not making your home as energy-efficient as possible are in plain sight.

A number of new properties are now being constructed with energy efficiency at the top of the agenda when it comes to features included in their specification. A good example of that would be when you search home builders in Huntsville AL, for instance. If you take a look at the sort of gadgets and design features included you will see how they can help keep running costs under control and reduce your carbon footprint.

Eco-friendly heat pumps can drastically cut electricity costs

Heating and cooling our homes accounts for about half of our electricity costs. That is why it makes sense to install an energy-efficient HVAC.  Using the latest heat pump technology you could cut your energy consumption by as much as 50%.

Think about your landscaping

Planting plenty of trees and shrubs in your garden is a real no-brainer. It adds curb appeal, but it also helps provide some useful shade. This means your property will be more energy-efficient when internal temperatures are more regulated by natural shading.

Embrace green technology

There are some subtle additions to your home that can make a big difference. Smart technology gives you greater control over how efficiently you use energy. Installing smart thermostats, bulbs, and AC controllers are good examples of how you can take advantage of green technology.

Focus on achieving efficient home ventilation

A well-designed ventilation system can vastly improve your energy use. Proper weatherstripping and good duct sealing will give you greater control over your energy usage.

Choose the right roofing materials

An eco-friendly roof will be able to absorb less heat and deflect more of the sun’s rays. This will keep your home cool and deliver lower energy bills.

Maximize your insulation levels

Insulating your home is a win-win. Good insulation will help you maintain a good consistent temperature and keep your energy bills lower at the same time.

Make sure your lighting is energy-efficient

Every property should be switching to energy-efficient lighting. LED lights will greatly reduce your energy consumption and provide great natural lighting levels too.

Practice good water conservation

You will already be aware of some of the usual ways you can conserve water by using rainwater barrels and efficient guttering. However, you can go beyond that and enjoy lower water bills when you have a grey water recycling system. Daily tasks such as showering and washing clothes become less expensive and more eco-friendly when you have a greywater recycling system.

Go solar

Harnessing the sun’s energy using solar panels is a fantastic way of reducing your carbon footprint, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing your energy bills. A lot of new properties have solar panels fitted and that is well worth looking out for as a feature. It will be an energy-efficient option that could help keep your energy bills as low as possible.  If you are looking to be as energy-efficient as you can, try to make sure that your next property has as many of these highlighted environmentally-friendly options as possible.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

What Are the Best Tips for an Energy Efficient Home?

5 Home Improvements that will Increase Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Six Ways to Turn Your Home into an Energy Efficient Space