Data from the National Association of Home Builders reveals that today's buyers demand energy efficient homes, even if it means paying a premium price. The benefit of going through the custom home building process that you can specify exactly which energy efficient enhancements you want in your home.
Here are several ways that you can make your custom home more energy efficient:
1. Insulate.
The temperatures in Central Florida can heat up during the summer months. An effective solution to keep utility costs at bay is to ensure that your home is properly insulated. As a general rule of thumb, the more insulation you add to your home, the more money you'll save. Use the Department of Energy's zip code specific recommendations to determine the optimal amount of insulation needed.
2. Opt for an energy efficient HVAC system.
Floridians rely heavily on their HVAC systems, so choosing a quality, energy efficient system will help save on energy costs, create a more comfortable living space, and be more conscientious to the environment. When choosing an HVAC system for your home, be sure to take into account the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system will be. Currently, the minimum SEER rating for HVAC systems in homes in the Southeast is 15.
3. Upgrade windows.
A perk to going through the custom home building process is that you can specify the type of windows that you want in your home. It's worth the investment to splurge for energy efficient windows when you're building your home as it will help to minimize energy waste and create a more comfortable environment in your home.
4. Choose an energy efficient refrigerator.
Of all of the appliances in your home, the refrigerator is one of the biggest users of energy in your home. Your refrigerator runs 24-hours a day and is an indispensable part of your home. This is why you want to choose a refrigerator that is energy efficient so you can maximize energy and dollar savings. Opting for an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator will ensure that you're meeting th federal minimum energy efficiency standard.
5. Take advantage of trees and shrubs.
When you walk a lot with your custom home builder, take into account the placement of trees on the property that could provide shade to your home during the hot summer months. Planning your home with shade in mind will allow you to create a more energy efficient home.
If you choose to partner with Empire Custom Builders for your custom home building experience, you'll benefit from our expertise in green-friendly building. Having successfully completed more than 500 projects in Central Florida over the past three decades, we're well aware of the latest trends in green home design and can help you design and build a home that exceeds your expectations for energy efficiency.
Please contact us at Empire Custom Builders to learn how we can help you make your dream home more energy efficient.
1. Insulate.
The temperatures in Central Florida can heat up during the summer months. An effective solution to keep utility costs at bay is to ensure that your home is properly insulated. As a general rule of thumb, the more insulation you add to your home, the more money you'll save. Use the Department of Energy's zip code specific recommendations to determine the optimal amount of insulation needed.
2. Opt for an energy efficient HVAC system.
Floridians rely heavily on their HVAC systems, so choosing a quality, energy efficient system will help save on energy costs, create a more comfortable living space, and be more conscientious to the environment. When choosing an HVAC system for your home, be sure to take into account the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system will be. Currently, the minimum SEER rating for HVAC systems in homes in the Southeast is 15.
3. Upgrade windows.
A perk to going through the custom home building process is that you can specify the type of windows that you want in your home. It's worth the investment to splurge for energy efficient windows when you're building your home as it will help to minimize energy waste and create a more comfortable environment in your home.
4. Choose an energy efficient refrigerator.
Of all of the appliances in your home, the refrigerator is one of the biggest users of energy in your home. Your refrigerator runs 24-hours a day and is an indispensable part of your home. This is why you want to choose a refrigerator that is energy efficient so you can maximize energy and dollar savings. Opting for an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator will ensure that you're meeting th federal minimum energy efficiency standard.
5. Take advantage of trees and shrubs.
When you walk a lot with your custom home builder, take into account the placement of trees on the property that could provide shade to your home during the hot summer months. Planning your home with shade in mind will allow you to create a more energy efficient home.
If you choose to partner with Empire Custom Builders for your custom home building experience, you'll benefit from our expertise in green-friendly building. Having successfully completed more than 500 projects in Central Florida over the past three decades, we're well aware of the latest trends in green home design and can help you design and build a home that exceeds your expectations for energy efficiency.
Please contact us at Empire Custom Builders to learn how we can help you make your dream home more energy efficient.
