What Does It Mean to Have an Energy-Efficient Home?
Making your home energy efficient can help you with monthly utilities but will also help you in the long run. Homeownership is expensive, with utilities, property taxes, and insurances all adding up. At Landmark, we look to make living easier as we incorporate energy efficiency in every home we build. Efficiency is important to us. Not only does it keep money in your pocket but we can also help provide a cleaner environment for our community. Here are several ways we make our homes energy efficient.
HERS Rating
While we design your perfect home, we always keep energy efficiency in mind. Each of our homes are planned to meet or exceed the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score. HERS is the national index for measuring a home’s energy efficiency performance.
“Anyone can say they build an energy-efficient home.” said Donna Thompson, Marketing Coordinator at Landmark Fine Homes. “Landmark Fine Homes hires a third party to test and certify our home meets and/or exceeds the requirements for the HERS Score calculated by the plan rater. After the test, you will receive a certificate to certify your home and its rating.”
Efficient Insulation
Depending on the season, insulation can both keep your house warm and cool to help save you money on air conditioning and heating. Insulation also provides an added sound barrier to your home from outside noises such as traffic. A guard against moisture, insulation will also block water from entering the walls which can damage the foundation and lead to mold.
From an environmental standpoint, insulation can help reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing the use of your air conditioner unit, it won’t release as many chemicals into the environment.
Energy Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows are a popular home improvement to help cut the cost of utility bills each month. However, they also serve an impact on the environment as they reduce your home’s emission rate. Investing in energy-efficient products can reduce energy use - and eventually fewer greenhouse gas emissions - by 25 to 30 percent, according to EnergySage. During the home planning, we consider how many windows and which direction they face toward the sun to minimize the sun’s heat.
Tight Construction and Ducts
Loose ductwork can contribute to hundreds of dollars added to your energy bill each year. Tightening your ductwork allows for more efficient airflow. By sealing your air ducts, you avoid heat and cool air from escaping. This provides a more cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. With less stress on your heating and air conditioning, you help reduce carbon emissions.
Efficient Heating and Cooling
An old and outdated cooling system can cost you thousands of dollars a year. By choosing a more energy-efficient system, you cool your home for less money. When designing your home, we keep in mind what your heating and cooling system can efficiently handle. This allows us to ensure you’re cool during the summer months and warm during the fall and winter.
As we continue to build our communities, our goal is always the same. We always strive to build more beautiful and energy-efficient homes. Every step of our building process is mindful of our commitment toward a more sustainable future. By taking these steps, we make sure your home will save you money and a positive impact on the environment.
Contact us today if you’re looking to find a home more energy-efficient. Whether you have your own plan or you’re interested in one of ours, we’ll make sure your home is certified energy efficient.
