How to Create an Energy-Efficient Home from the Ground Up

Energy efficiency is a huge deal these days. For a greener planet, it’s necessary.  Thus, it’s more important than ever to watch our energy consumption carefully and eliminate waste, and an energy-efficient home can help us accomplish both.  Whether you’re looking to invest in green home updates or are on the real estate hunt for an energy-efficient abode, here are the features you need.

The 6 Green Features You Need for an Energy-Efficient Home

There are hallmarks of an energy-efficient home you need to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Smart Insulation

For a truly green home that retains heat better in the winter and cool air in the summer, go above and beyond with insulation.

There’s a minimal code you have to meet for any building, but pump up your walls with other materials with a higher R-value (which is the measure of any material’s insulating power). Examples include crushed gravel, spray foam, and rigid insulation.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances

To minimize the amount of energy and water you consume while washing clothes and doing dishes, get energy-efficient appliances. You can save a ton of money on your utility bills while still getting everything fresh and clean.

3. LED Lightbulbs

LED light bulbs use less energy than standard ones, plus they emit little to no heat. Replacing all your old light bulbs with these models will lower your cooling bill and minimize the amount of energy you use when the lights are on.

4. Low-Flow Faucets and Fixtures

To save even more water, install low-flow fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. These will keep your water bill more manageable, too. The shower head, for instance, is where you can save a ton of money.

5. Sustainable Landscaping

Don’t neglect your yard and landscaping when you think about energy-efficient home features. The ideal green yard will have native plants that are drought-resistant and water-efficient, turf versus grass that needs watering, and rain collection systems to reuse water efficiently.

6. A Tight Seal and Controlled Air Flow

The most energy-efficient houses are tightly sealed against air leaks, which can let hot air inside in the summer and frigid air in during the winter. This, in turn, ratchets up your energy costs.

To ensure your home is free of leaks, get an inspection. If you find any, have them corrected with better insulation or structural changes. Finally, once your home is as air-tight as can be, make sure you have a system installed that pushes stale air out and lets fresh air inside in a controlled way.

An Energy-Efficient Home Helps You Live Greener

An energy-efficient home is fitted from top to bottom with features that make it easy to live green. You’ll save money, but you’ll also reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint. That’s great news for you, but better news for Mother Earth.