When you fall in love with a new home, energy efficiency is probably one of the last things you might think of. You might love the open floor plan or the view from the kitchen window, but you might not consider how those things play into your yearly energy costs. Typically, newer homes are built to be more energy efficient, but not all home builders are the same.
It is important to ask yourself and your builder questions about the energy efficiency of the materials being used. More than just insulation can affect the energy efficiency of a home!
Consider Your Home’s Size and Shape
The larger your home and the more complicated your floor plan is, the more it impacts energy efficiency. Homes with irregular shapes, vaulted ceilings, bump outs, dormers, etc., are less efficient than homes with a simpler layout. The larger the home, the less efficient, although the builder can offset this impact through energy-efficient building techniques.
Check That Windows and Doors Are Insulated
Poorly insulated doors and windows are a common culprit in homes that are not energy efficient. This makes it difficult to heat or cool your home consistently and efficiently. You will use more energy, and it is difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This affects your monthly energy bill, often by a significant amount.
JTB Homes takes energy-efficient housing seriously and incorporates the latest techniques and technology into every home they build. Here are the steps we take to ensure that windows and doors are not a source of leaks or drafts.
- Energy Star North Low-e glass windows
- Foam-sealed exterior openings, windows, and doors
- Blower door test on every home
The direction your windows face has an impact on energy efficiency in the home. North and east-facing windows get less direct sunlight, so the rooms tend to stay cooler, but they get less light. South and west-facing windows get more direct light for longer. This means the room gets more natural light but also gets and stays warmer.
Look For Moisture Control, Ventilation, and HVAC
JTB Homes takes every possible step to incorporate energy efficiency into the home, including things like moisture control and proactively eliminating common problem spots. Just some of the energy-efficient home features you will find with JTB Homes include:
- Humidifier system installation
- 100-Amp electrical service, 150-Amp for 2-story
- Ridge-vent, continuous soffit venting, & baffled truss bays
- 95+% Efficient furnace with deluxe digital set-back thermostat
- Energy efficient, power vented, 40 Gallon water heater
Moisture control is another essential component of the energy-efficient home. It’s not just important for efficiency; it also keeps your home comfortable and free of mold and mildew. JTB Homes feature moisture barriers, a vapor barrier under the concrete basement floors, and more.
Energy-efficient housing requires HVAC systems that are designed for maximum efficiency in order to cut down on energy costs and keep your home comfortable. The difference between good and poor efficiency is huge, and JTB Homes is committed to building energy-efficient homes that don’t compromise your health and comfort.
Ask About HERS Report & Energy Audit for Home
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) report ensures that homes meet the requirements of energy-efficient housing. All JTB Homes have this report and exceed efficiency standards. Do not buy a home without asking for the HERS report.
Go Above & Beyond Minimum Requirements With JTB Homes, Leaders in Energy Efficient Home Building
JTB Homes builds energy-efficient homes personalized by you. Contact us today to learn more about our building process and how we can build your energy-efficient dream home.