What Does It Mean to Have an Energy Efficient Home?

Let’s face it: we all want to cut costs and reduce energy consumption. Not only does it help our budgets, but it also helps decrease our individual and household carbon footprints. You’ve heard the buzz about energy efficient homes. But what does it actually mean to have an energy efficient home? And if efficiency is a priority in your life, how do you find the ideal home? One that will empower you to meet your goals – and to live beautifully? 

What Are Energy Efficient Homes?

Energy efficient homes are those that utilize different building materials and methods to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and demand for and consumption of nonrenewable resources (e.g. heating oil, gas, etc.). This tends to result in savings each month when it comes to energy and utility bills. 

At the same time, these homes deliver healthier atmospheres for owners and their households. For example, well-sealed and well-ventilated homes not only keep the temperature inside comfortable, but they can also improve the air quality. For those suffering from allergies, asthma, and other conditions, this is critical. 

Essential in a truly efficient home are exceptional framework and construction, roof, insulation, doors and windows, and foundation, as well as integrated efficiencies through high-quality appliances from water heaters to refrigerators to air conditioners. 

So what does it mean to have an energy efficient home? Typically it means that your home will be more comfortable – and more affordable in terms of maintaining that comfort! It’s easier and less expensive to heat, cool, and operate. It is a step that we can take as homeowners to both increase our quality of life and reduce our impact on the environment. 

Synergy Homes Gold and Platinum Series 

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to energy efficient homes. Any home can be made more efficient. Even an older home, for example, can be retrofitted with better insulation, double- or triple-glazed windows and doors, Energy Star appliances, and other features that reduce consumption and costs. This can be quite pricey, so owners need to work out what steps to take and when they can expect a return on their investment. Making the choice to invest in efficiency will pay off, it just may take some time when it comes to older homes. Having an energy audit done is a great way to sort your priorities and get started on a to-do list for improvements. 

That said, the best way to guarantee that your home is as efficient (and comfortable) as possible is to start from the ground up. Planning and designing for maximum efficiency ensures that every element works together to provide the highest level of quality and results that last year after year. It also allows you to start saving money immediately as your utility costs will be significantly lower in a new high-performance home than in an existing one – or even in a typical new build. 

Synergy Home’s Gold and Platinum Series utilize building techniques that make them up to 75% more efficient than existing homes and up to 50% more efficient than standard new construction. 

Homes in these series are built with efficiency in mind from the get-go: a tight thermal envelope (which includes the roof, foundation, doors, windows, and outer walls) is one that is carefully planned and constructed to prevent cool air transfer in the summer and heat transfer in the winter. In other words, your cooling and heating dollars are not flying right out the window (or through gaps in the walls!). Again, this also improves indoor air quality, resulting in a healthier household.

Each feature of these homes is strategically planned and executed. For example, instead of using R30 blown and batt insulation in the attic as is standard, our team installs R20 Icynene spray foam insulation. This is one of the most energy efficient products on the market, and the results speak for themselves. In a standard new build, the attic temperature can be an incredible 44 – 64 degrees warmer than the air-conditioned square footage. Ours is just 10 – 12 degrees warmer. When you are trying to cool (or heat) the air, this makes a substantial difference – one you can feel every day and see reflected on your energy bills each month. 

This is just one part of the thermal envelope too. From top to bottom, your home is well-sealed and ventilated for maximum efficiency, air quality, and comfort. Additionally, Gold and Platinum Series homes are elegant and built to last. You do not have to compromise when it comes to comfort and convenience – as well as the many perks of beautiful living. You can have all that you want, all that you need in a home, as well as industry-leading efficiency. Start from the ground up.

Ready to come home? Connect with the Synergy Homes team to explore your energy efficient, cost effective options.