When we build a custom home for a client, there are many conversations about needs, wants, budget, design, features, materials, colors, and much more.  Although not usually at the top of the list, the topic of energy efficiency will most definitely be a conversation.   At Riteway builders, we’ve always tried to take a common sense approach to energy efficiency – recommending the options, features, appliances, materials, and designs that make the most sense in terms of budget and return on investment.    Many of these things are done behind the walls, so they aren’t a priority for cookie cutter builders.  

Here are a few energy efficient suggestions that are not always visible, but can definitely be felt, in terms of both comfort, and lower energy costs for years to come.  

  • High Quality / High-Performance Windows
    • Builder grade windows might offer the best price, but not always the best performance.  Here’s what to look for:
    • U Factor – On the window label, you will see a U Factor.  The U factor measures how the window keeps air from escaping.  The lower the number, the more efficient it is.  
    • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient – this number measures how well the window resists unwanted heat gain – which is important during summer.  The lower the number, the better.
    • Visible Transmittance  – this measures how much natural light is let in – the higher the VT, the more light you’ll get.
    • Air Leakage – measures the rate at which air passes through the window joints.  Lower numbers are better
    • Condensation Resistance – on a scale from 0 to 100, this number tells you how well the window resists moisture build-up.  The higher the number the less build up the window allows. 
  • High Efficient HVAC System
    • AFUE Rating – this rating on your furnace will tell you how much of the fuel is converted into heating power.  Furnaces built/sold in the US have to have a rating of 78% or higher.  Any furnace with a rating of 90% or higher would be considered highly efficient. 
    • Air Conditioning efficiency is measured by using the “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio” or (SEER).  This rating calculates the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.
  • LED Lighting
    • This is definitely one energy efficiency piece, that IS easy to see – LED lights.  What’s not to love about LED lighting.  LED Lighting solutions for the home are now much more affordable than they were in the not so distant past.  LED’s are more durable, produce less heat, last longer, are incredibly efficient.  Another great thing about LED’s is that they can fit in places old traditional lighting cannot, so they can be used to create some beautiful indirect lighting designs, and can be customized for almost any lighting application.  
  • High Efficient Appliances 
    • Most modern home appliance available today are already efficient, but check the ENERGY STAR sticker to see how the appliance you are interested in compares to a more or less expensive model.  As we’ve discussed in previous blog posts, it is not always the most expensive models that perform the best.  

The wonderful thing about building a custom home is that you get to decide how efficient you want your home to be.   By implementing some of the suggestions above, it’s reasonable to expect around 15-30% saving on energy costs each year.  In this article, we’ve only touched on a few of the ways to make a home more energy efficient.  There are many other ways to improve energy efficiency and enjoy a well-built home that will provide comfort and safety for you and your family for years to come.  If you are thinking about building a custom home, we’d love to talk to you and show you how and why we’re one of the best builders in the Treasure Valley. 

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