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Energy efficiency is certainly a topic that has been gaining traction recently. With the ever-growing environmental and economic concerns, reducing energy consumption is something everyone should strive for. And one of the best ways to do this is by ensuring your new home is as efficient as possible.
We’ll start by discussing some common features to consider when designing an energy-efficient home in McAllen. Then we’ll cover some common materials and design elements that can help you keep your new house efficient for years to come. Finally, we’ll look at some potential benefits of building an energy-efficient home and how it might affect your bottom line on utility bills and other expenses. So, let’s get started!
Benefits of building an energy-efficient home
Building an energy-efficient home in McAllen has many advantages:
- First and foremost, you’ll save money on monthly utility bills by using less energy (and therefore fewer resources).
- You’ll also be taking a step towards helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
- Improved air circulation from energy-efficient windows, doors, and walls will help keep dust and allergens out of the house for improved health and comfort.
- Energy-efficient homes are usually quieter than their non-energy-efficient counterparts, making for a more peaceful living experience.
- New insulation helps decrease drafts, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
All these benefits combined can make for an amazing living experience.
Materials used building energy-efficient homes in McAllen
The right building materials can help reduce energy costs, keep your home comfortable year-round, and help you take bigger steps towards sustainable living. Here are a few of the most popular options:
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs)
ICFs are hollow blocks filled with concrete and insulation material for optimal insulation. They provide superior thermal performance, helping to make a home more airtight and energy efficient.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
SIPs are panels made of two outer layers of structural board with an insulating foam core in between. They offer high levels of insulation and strength, making them great for walls, roofs, and floors.
Radiant barrier sheathing
Radiant barrier sheathing helps reduce heat loss or gain by reflecting radiant heat away from or toward the home’s interior. It’s perfect for attics and other areas exposed to intense sunlight in McAllen’s warm climate.
Strategies for improving the energy efficiency of your home
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency in McAllen, there are plenty of strategies to choose from:
Insulation
Installing proper insulation in your walls and ceilings helps keep the warm air away during summer and prevents heat escape during wintertime, reducing air leakage and costly energy bills. Adding insulation also helps block out noise pollution from outside sources, which can be a great bonus.
Renewable energy sources
Harnessing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal is another great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency in McAllen. Installing solar panels on your rooftop is the most popular option since they generate clean electricity that can be used to power lights, appliances, and much more. You can also opt for a wind turbine or ground-source heat pump to generate electricity from the wind or geothermal sources respectively.
Smart home technology
Adopting smart home technology is an excellent way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Smart thermostats adjust temperatures as needed throughout the day for greater comfort and lower bills, while motion detectors turn lights off when no one’s around. Other smart home features like automated window shades can be used to shade indoor areas during summer and keep them warm during wintertime.
Windows
High-performance windows with low-E coatings can help to block out solar heat gain during the summer while allowing in natural light. Additionally, windows with insulated frames and double-paned glass can help to prevent heat loss during the winter.
Efficient HVAC systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption. Choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system can help to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. Consider investing in a system with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for air conditioning and a high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating for heating.
Lighting
Using energy-efficient lighting such as LED bulbs can help to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. Additionally, consider installing motion sensors or timers to ensure that lights are only on when needed.
Renewable Energy
Consider installing solar panels or a wind turbine to generate renewable energy for your home. This can help to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills in the long run.
Landscaping
Proper landscaping can help to shade your home from the sun, reducing the need for air conditioning. Consider planting trees and shrubs on your home’s south and west sides to block out the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Popular energy-saving products for your home
You know what they say: energy savings start at home. New home communities can use various popular energy-saving products to make homes more efficient and reduce energy costs. Here’s a list of some of the most popular ones:
Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats are one of the best options for saving energy costs. With programmable thermostats, you can adjust the temperature in your home accordingly without manually changing it throughout the day. This ensures that your home is always at an optimal temperature and that you aren’t wasting energy by having it too hot or cold throughout the day.
LED lighting
LED lighting is another great way to save on energy costs in your home. LED lighting uses up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs, so switching out all your traditional bulbs with LED ones can make a big difference in your electric bill.
Smart appliances
Smart appliances are also becoming increasingly popular for those looking to save on energy costs. These appliances are designed to help you monitor and manage energy use and offer smarter features that allow you to customize settings for optimal efficiency.
Solar panels
Finally, solar panels are another way to reduce energy costs significantly over time. They capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity, which is then converted into AC electricity used in homes and businesses across McAllen. Solar panels are an extremely effective way of reducing electric bills over time, so if you’re looking for a long-term solution, they may be worth considering.
Energy-efficient windows and doors
Another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by investing in quality windows and doors. You want to make sure they are insulated and double-glazed, and look for options with Low-E coating — this special coating helps reduce the heat that escapes through your windows and doors in colder months, keeping your home nice and warm.
Finding a reliable builder in McAllen
Finding the right builder in McAllen to design your energy-efficient home is no easy task. After all, with dozens of builders in the area, how can you be sure you’re getting someone reliable? Not to worry—here’s what you should look for in a quality builder:
Quality materials and products
A reliable builder should use quality materials and products when constructing an energy-efficient home. Look for a company with a reputation for using high-quality materials like well-insulated windows, thick insulation, and advanced HVAC systems that won’t break down quickly.
Experienced professionals
It also pays to find an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing. After all, building an energy-efficient home requires a lot of knowledge and expertise. It’s best to look for builders with years of experience with green building projects. That way, you can be sure your project will turn out just the way it should.
A track record of successful projects
Finally, make sure you take a look at the builder’s track record. Ask them to provide pictures and testimonials from previous customers: it’s always good to get some background information before hiring them. That way, you can know whether they’ve succeeded with their previous projects. Here is Dolcan Homes gallery to inspire you.
These three details should help you find a reliable builder in McAllen for designing your energy-efficient home.
Design an energy-efficient home in McAllen, Tx
Investing in an energy-efficient home is not only responsible but also financially savvy. By finding the right home builders, you can ensure your new residence is built to last with sustainable materials and technologies.
In McAllen, there is a wide range of options when it comes to finding an energy-efficient home. Whether you’re looking for a new single-family home in Mission or a custom-built townhouse in Mayfair Subdivision, you can find an energy-efficient residence that fits your lifestyle.
In fact, make your next home investment count by choosing Dolcan Homes – one of the top home builders in McAllen, Tx. We ensure your new residence is built with sustainable materials and technologies for long-lasting energy efficiency.
Contact us today to learn more.