The demand for energy efficient homes is growing – and for good reason. Actually, for several good reasons. But, a question that a lot of people ask is, how much more efficient are energy efficient homes? Our homes not only lower your utility bills, but they also help reduce fossil fuel consumption and waste, lower water usage, improve air quality, and build and retain value more consistently and favorably than traditionally designed houses. The best models are also beautiful, comfortable, and designed for your lifestyle

Great – but can we put a number on this? We know we can save money, and we can cut consumption. But by how much? Let’s get into the numbers. 

How Much More Efficient are Energy Efficient Homes?

It depends! First, it is important to recognize that you can make any home more energy efficient. This is obviously good news if you have an older home or one that needs upgrades in order to cut fuel use and costs. Steps can be simple, from installing weather stripping around doors and windows and using low-flow toilets and faucets. They can also be more extensive (and expensive). Replacing windows and doors, installing more and/or better insulation, making repairs to or replacing the roof, fixing the foundation, etc., will make your home more efficient. They will also cost you thousands of dollars (or more). You may not get to the point where you realize a full return on investment. Still, we think that any step towards a more efficient house is important

New houses are an average of 30% larger than those built before 2000. But they are just as efficient as their older counterparts. How is this possible? They are built according to more stringent Energy Code Regulations, feature higher quality insulation, doors, and windows, and are constructed with more sustainable, green materials. They are “tighter,” which reduces air transfer. This means that your cooled air won’t seep out in the summer and your warmed air won’t waft away in the winter. 

There are energy efficient homes, which make good strides forward, and then there are high-performance energy efficient homes. They are built from the ground up with savings and sustainability in mind. When it comes to Synergy Homes, how much more efficient are energy efficient homes? Synergy Homes’ Gold and Platinum Series goes beyond typical design and construction techniques and materials. As a result, they are 75% more efficient than existing homes and up to 50% more efficient than standard new builds. 

How do we do it? 

Again, while new builds follow tougher standards and regulations, we take it a few steps further. This is what homeowners want and deserve. A tight thermal envelope helps minimize air transfer and keep your home comfortable. It also reduces energy use and utility bills, while improving air quality. Here’s an example of how we build performance into our Gold and Platinum Series. Other builders use R-30 blown and batt insulation in the attic. This is the industry standard. Perfectly adequate. We can do better than “adequate.” This is why we use R-20 Icynene spray foam insulation. It is much denser than fiberglass, so it offers better protection at a lower R-value. It also retains its protective properties for years, unlike fiberglass which will lose R-value over time.

This is just one example of how we strategically plan, design, and construct homes to be as efficient as possible. It is our goal from the start.

How much more efficient are energy efficient homes? Well, if you want to make an existing home more energy efficient, you certainly can make big improvements – that often have a big price tag. It is easier and more convenient when efficiency is built in from the beginning. Talk to Synergy Homes about your needs and tour our model homes. We’re confident you will find the right solution for you, your family, your needs, and your budget.

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