When you build a new home, you often have the option to include some upgrades that are better for the environment. Of course, these upgrades cost more money, so you have to balance out whether investing in these products makes sense for you. In many cases, though, you’ll find the money you pay upfront actually saves you in the long run with reduced energy costs. Learn more about what options are available to you.
1. Better Insulation
Aiming for thermally efficient homes, the most important aspect is the enverlope design. That's why the latest updates to Alberta energy efficient codes have elevated the requirements for many external elements like roofs, windows, and airtightness.
The insulation in the walls and attic play a big role in heating and cooling your home. In the winter, insulation keeps cold air from coming into your home and keeps the heat produced by your furnace from escaping through the attic. In the summer, it does the opposite. All brand-new homes will come with the amount of insulation required by building codes. Some builders may even exceed those recommendations at no extra cost. However, you often have the choice to upgrade to a better style of insulation or more insulation. It’s usually a small cost, but it can have big results. Think about how new home building materials save you money long-term, not just upfront.
2. Smart Thermostats and Zoned Heating
A smart thermostat learns your schedule and how hot or cool you like your home - and at what times. Most can be controlled from your smartphone, so if you forget to turn the heat off when you leave, you can do it remotely. Many HVAC systems these days also have the ability to zone the heating and cooling. This means you only heat or cool the areas you want. If no one will be in the bedrooms during the daytime, for instance, you shut off the heat to those rooms with a press of a button. Overall, these more advanced thermostats and HVAC systems are likely to save you some money on your gas and electric bill, so they’re worth the cost of the upgrade.
3. Tankless Water Heaters
Traditional water heaters hold a large amount of water and they need to keep it warm at all times. This means the tank is continually heating water when you don’t need it – while you’re at work, while you’re sleeping, and while you’re on vacation. In contrast, tankless water heaters only heat the water when you need it. It’s instant. It can save money and make for a more comfortable experience because you never have to wait for the water to warm up before you take a shower. Tankless water heaters do tend to be more expensive. Over the lifetime of your mortgage, though, upgrading to a tankless water heater will offset the extra cost.
4. Solar Panels
Solar panels are perhaps the most recognizable green upgrade. Having them on your roof can give you the energy you need to run your home. In some cases, a family could even have a “net zero” home where the excess solar energy they sell to the power companies during the summer cancels out the money they have to pay for extra energy in the winter. However, they typically require you to have a north-south facing home. If your home doesn’t have part of the roof facing the south, this may not be a smart choice for you.
5. Triple-Pane Windows
Most of a home’s energy loss occurs at the roof and the windows. You’ve probably solved your problem of energy loss at the roof with upgraded insulation, but you can also make smarter choices with the windows. Again, the Alberta Building Code requires windows to be installed to achieve the best U-value (a measurement of insulation effectiveness) for our climate.
Triple pane windows have three layers of glass with two insulating layers of air in between them. This does an exceptional job of protecting the home against energy loss. Since window replacement tends to be an expensive remodel down the line, it’s smart to spend wisely when building your new home and include the most efficient type of window that can reduce your costs over time.
6. Cool Roofs
A home with a dark-coloured roof can feel like an oven in the summertime. The sun beats down on the roof and that heat transfers to the inside of the home. Cool roofs fight back. By having a lighter colour, they reflect the sun’s rays and keep the home cooler. Some shingles have this capability, but many cool roofs are made from metal. This is also environmentally-friendly because metal roofs last longer. However, community guidelines often have specifications about the style of the roof, and these may limit your choices. Ask your builder if any of the roofing materials do a better job of keeping the home cool.
7. Energy-Efficient Appliances
In a new home build, you’re also getting all new appliances. Choose appliances that have the highest energy ratings. In most cases, the cost of the more efficient model is only slightly higher, but the savings from reduced energy consumption make up for that difference. Over time, the savings become even more important.
Making the best choices for the environment is one of the nicest benefits of building a new home. With these upgrades, you can even save money, so you're sure to love your energy efficient home. Do what you can to include green upgrades – this can easily be achieved with a great Edmonton home builder on your side.
