How to Save Energy When Constructing a Home

There are many ways in which average citizens can save energy around the home. Since some of these methods require substantial investments of time, money and labor, home-improvement projects can be daunting. When constructing a new home, you'll have the opportunity to include some projects as the home is being built, eliminating the need for costly improvements down the road.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Insulation
• Energy efficient windows
• Sealed air ducts
• Solar panels
• Attic fans

1. Construct a home with proper insulation. Hire a construction professional to install insulation throughout a new home's walls, floors and attic space. Instead of using regular fiberglass insulation, explore the possibility of using environmentally friendly cellulose-fiber insulation.
2. Save energy by installing windows that provide maximum insulation and UV protection. The United States government has created the Energy Star designation to help consumers identify environmentally friendly windows. Energy Star-approved windows feature special glass coatings, multiple panes and durable frames constructed from materials that provide excellent insulation.
3. Limit drafts in your new home by constructing tight, well-sealed ventilation ducts. Faulty air ducts can allow heat and air to escape your home while allowing pollen, dust and moisture to enter. A sealed duct system will help you save money over the long term by reducing your energy expenses.
4. Install energy efficient solar panels in your roof. Whether you plan to power your home exclusively with solar power or just want to supplement traditional power sources, solar power is becoming increasingly popular. You'll also need to install a battery bank to store solar power for rainy or cloudy days.
5. Construct a ventilation space in your attic to allow for the easy installation of an attic fan. These fans are used to blow hot air from an attic space, reducing air-conditioning expenses and prolonging the life of a home's roof. For extra energy efficiency, consider installing a solar-powered attic fan.
6. Choose energy efficient alternatives for heating and air-conditioning equipment when constructing a new home. Not only can these systems shave dollars from your power bill, but they are often quieter than traditional systems. Look for an air-conditioning unit that displays the government's Energy Star logo.
7. Hire a professional home energy rater to perform energy audits on your new home. This professional can inspect your new home's construction and make suggestions for ways to save energy. The official Energy Star website offers tips on how to hire a professional to inspect a new home's construction (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Find out whether your home qualifies for tax breaks. Many tax incentives only apply when improvements are made to an existing home. A newly constructed home might not qualify for all of the Energy Star tax incentives.