6 Considerations for Building an Energy Efficient Home

Working with your custom home builder Redlands is a great way to build an energy efficient home that reduces overall energy consumption and helps you save money on utility bills when you live in the home.

There are many ways to reduce your energy consumption at home, but a big part of doing this comes down to the design of the home and how you implement certain features to reduce energy usage overall. 

1. Place External Openings in the Right Areas

When the weather is nice, one of the best ways to reduce your reliance on running your AC system is to open up your windows, doors, and other external openings. Your custom home builder Redlands can help you place these external openings in the right locations to maximise exposure for cross breezes, which can be a big help when it comes to reducing your cooling expenses in the summer.

2. Orient Living Spaces to Face North

You should try and orient your living spaces north to reduce sun exposure during peak times of the day. This also lets the winter sun provide as much sunlight in your main living spaces during day, so you can use your heater less. On top of this, you may want to consider adding shading devices, like eaves, to cover the windows that receive direct sun exposure during the summer season.

3. Avoid Openings in High-Use Areas

Any custom home builder Redlands will tell you that you should avoid large openings, like windows and sliding glass doors, in spaces on the western side of your home. If you have large windows on the western side of your home, for example, the afternoon summer sun will quickly heat up these rooms, putting more pressure on your AC system to keep things cool.

4. Implement Ceiling Fans

Turning on a ceiling fan in the summer can make a huge difference when it comes to staying cool and reducing your reliance on your AC system. Ceiling fans can also help you circulate warm air in your living spaces when you set them on reverse during the wintertime. Ask your custom home builder Redlands to include wiring for ceiling fans and depending on your home design plan, to add ceiling fans in main living areas as well as all the bedrooms. 

5. Add Enough Insulation

Insulation essentially holds the heated and cooled air in your home and minimises how quickly it is released to the outdoors. As you review your home design and building plans, find out how much insulation will be added to your new home. You should also look into the R-value and make sure your home will have adequate insulation not only between your walls, but in your attic and garage. 

There are also many different kinds of insulation that can benefit your home. Ask your builder about whether they prefer cellulose insulation, blow-in insulation, or another type and why they use that type when it comes to making homes more energy efficient. 

6. Consider All Utilities

Your custom home builder Redlands may focus on reducing your home’s reliance on electricity in all seasons. However, you should also consider implementing features that reduce consumption of other utilities, like water and gas. For example, you may ask your builder about installing low-flow toilets that use less water or a tankless water heater, so your family always has hot water on demand without wasting energy. 

Consulting with your custom home builder Redlands early on can help you boost your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your reliance on different resources. The best part is that taking measures to reduce energy consumption can help you save money while also preserving your comfort.