At Matt Powers Custom Homes, not only do we work hard in order to stand apart in the industry due to our energy efficient home plans, but we’re also officially certified through the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes program, and an Energy Star Partner.
Our LEED certification requires us to follow strict mandates for our indoor air quality, material specifications and resource origination- this is a very intense and rigorous process! As for the ENERGY STAR label, you can have peace of mind knowing that your new home has been designed and built to standards far above other homes in the market today. You can be confident in having better quality, better comfort, and better durability. As we like to say, it means that your new home is a better value for today, and a better investment for tomorrow! Additionally, overtime, you will find that ENERGY STAR appliances will save you money over their lifetime. Click here to learn more about our LEED certification.
Whether you choose to build with us, there are little things that all homes can do to become more environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. Here are just a few…
Choose energy efficient windows. These will help in regulating the temperature of your house, in turn reducing the amount of work your air conditioner needs to do. The last thing you want is cool air leaking out of your windows, instead of circulating around your house. On the flip side, in the winter, cheap windows allow cold air to creep in, compromising the ability to successfully heat your home. These treatments are more expensive, but will save you more money over time in terms of energy costs.
Ensure your home uses effective insulation. Based on the same principles as the windows, high-quality insulation can help keep your house cooler when you want it cold, and warmer when you want it warm. Additionally, it helps prevent moisture and air from entering your home, which can potentially cause problems within your foundation. As another tip, consider wrapping your hot water pipes in insulation- this helps trap in the heat, allowing your hot water heater to work quicker and easier.
Lastly, consider solar panels. These dramatically reduce the cost of heating and cooling- but it comes at a price. As a more affordable option, many homes choose to use them in conjunction with regular electricity, which still saves a lot of energy! In fact, many believe this is the single most effective way to cut costs in terms of an energy efficient home.
When considering remodeling or building a custom home, keep energy-efficiency as a priority. With so many new advancements, it’s easy to be green and save money while doing so!