Uncover the Hidden Savings: Why Energy Efficiency Should be a Top Priority When Buying a New Home
If you’re looking to buy a new home, you’re looking at the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the size of the family room. The area, property, and community are essential to you. But how much time did you spend thinking about energy?
New construction homes tend to be far more energy efficient than older houses. Older homes were not designed to be energy efficient. When you look for a new place, you should look for an Energy Star-rated home. Energy Star homes are generally 30% more efficient than older ones. This energy efficiency can keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and save you money every month on your utilities.
High-quality insulation, for example, keeps out drafts and aids your home holds heat in winter. Attention to detail in avoiding gaps and cracks in the framing, walls, and ceilings will make a huge difference. A space of just 1/4 inch to the outside can cause your house to leak air like a balloon with a small hole. An airtight construction is essential.
In addition to the construction, appliance choices can directly affect your electric bills. You should find energy Star-rated appliances, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, washer, and dryer. If your house includes air-conditioning, you should only choose one with a high energy Star rating.
On the heating side, you’ll need a system with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating of 90 or greater. On the cooling side, your air conditioning system should have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 12+ to be Energy Star efficient.
Other choices that can also aid the efficiency in your house include digital thermostats with timers, outdoor lighting with timers or light sensors, room switches with motion sensors, and other features to ensure you are not wasting electricity. Of course, you could try to remember to turn off the lights, but having technology help you in case you forget will save you money and reduce waste.
In conclusion, energy efficiency is an essential factor to consider when buying a new home. By considering energy efficiency when purchasing a new home, you can save money, reduce your impact on the environment, and increase the value of your home in the long run.
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