Fantastic weather, amazing beaches, and great communities are just a few of the reasons why people from all over the world decide to retire in Florida. Those who move here from moderate climates may not realize just how important energy efficiency is when designing a custom home. While Florida’s climate makes it a popular destination, homes in our area often require significantly more energy to maintain cooler temperatures. As a result, designing homes with energy-efficient features is important for your utility costs, your comfort, and our planet.
If you’re planning to move to Florida, here are five reasons why you should focus on energy efficiency when building your custom home.
1. They Are Better For The Environment
This one might seem obvious, but it’s really important. Many of us are striving to do our part in preserving the health and quality of our planet. Focusing on energy conservation when building your home is a really good way to step up, especially in the Central Florida area where cooling your home throughout the year requires a significant amount of power. When you build an energy-efficient home, you’ll not only realize long-term cost savings, but you’ll enjoy the benefit of feeling good about doing your part.
2. They Are A Good Investment
While an energy-efficient home offers eco-friendly benefits and utility cost savings, many people forget that energy-efficient features go a long way towards increasing a home’s property value. This is especially true in hot climates, where energy efficiency is a top priority for home shoppers. In Central Florida, most buyers are focused on energy cost and energy-efficient features as they want to avoid paying an arm and a leg for cooling costs. Implementing energy-efficient features, like sealed windows, a new air conditioner, ceiling fans, high-quality roofing materials, and an open floor plan can make your home more attractive on the market and even earn you a nice return. According to a 2012 study, a green certification label on your home can increase your average sale price by 9 percent.
3. It Will Lower Your Energy Costs
Energy-efficient homes can decrease your energy costs in a number of ways. First, a well-insulated home is able to keep cool air trapped inside, which can alleviate the burden on your air conditioning unit. Sealed doors, double-paned windows, open floor plans, and a brand new roof are just a few of the features of a brand new energy-efficient home that can improve insulation. You’re also likely to invest in brand new Energy Star certified appliances, which will lessen your power consumption and utility bills.
4. You Will Be More Comfortable
When building a new custom home, comfort is a top priority. Energy efficiency can actually improve your comfort because your home will be more capable of maintaining consistent air temperature and quality. Good insulation and a new roof will help to minimize fluctuations in air temperature, prevent drafts, and minimize internal humidity. High-quality, consistent air will ultimately keep your home more comfortable throughout the year. Additionally, a well-insulated home also means a quieter home, which means you won’t have to be as concerned about noisy neighbors or traffic.
5. They Can Benefit Your Health
Believe it or not, energy-efficient homes can actually have positive effects on your health. Sealed windows and good insulation mean the inside of your home will be less susceptible to allergens and asthma triggers. An energy-efficient home is also well insulated, which means it’s capable of maintaining good air quality and humidity levels. Humidity regulation also prevents dangerous plant growth, such as mold or mildew, from forming in your bathrooms and kitchen. Healthy air quality and comfortable temperatures can also have a positive impact on mental health as well.
Keys To Building An Energy-Efficient Home
Building an energy-efficient home starts with finding a reputable custom home builder that specializes in that kind of construction. A good custom home builder can help you incorporate the following energy-efficient features into your design:
- Passive Solar Design – A passive solar design means designing your home’s property features in a way that minimizes direct heat exposure. Your home’s orientation on the lot, overhangs and shade, and tree surroundings all play a role in a passive solar design. A passive solar design also focuses on the science behind heat distribution, conduction, and radiation. It also strikes the right balance to keep hot air moving out of the home.
- Open Floor Plans – Open floor plans are incredibly popular in Central Florida because they promote air circulation which helps your home maintain an even temperature. Open floor plans also help reduce energy costs because rooms are easily illuminated with natural lighting.
- An Energy Efficient HVAC system – A large chunk of your utility costs will go towards cooling your home, so you want to make sure to invest in a good HVAC system. Make sure the unit is Energy Star certified and has a solid SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency ratio) and an EER (energy-efficient ratio). The EER can be found directly on the bottom of the Energy Guide level.
- Air Sealing – Adequate weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows, and attic joints are absolutely essential when it comes to keeping cool air trapped inside. Poor sealing also allows moisture to enter the home, which can not only create uncomfortable air but can also lead to unwanted mold and mildew growth.
- Ventilation – While sealing helps keep cool air inside, ventilation helps promote the right amount of airflow required to maintain healthy air quality. Ventilation also plays a key role in keeping moisture out of the house.
It’s common to associate energy-efficient homes with expensive solar panels or geothermal energy, but investing in energy efficiency can be very affordable. Simple adjustments to your home’s design can make a massive difference. By integrating some simple energy-efficient features, you’ll save a significant amount of money in the long term while keeping your new Florida home comfortable. If you’re looking for a home building partner with expertise in energy efficiency, contact Atlas Homes today. Our custom home building process is designed to ensure each and every one of our customers receive an excellent experience while designing and building their Central Florida dream home.