Simple ways to make your home more energy efficient

There are a myriad of different things you can do to ensure your home is energy efficient; most of which should happen during the building process. Things like good insulation, more efficient heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient windows and lightbulbs should be installed while your home is being built. Although they can be installed afterward, it’s a lot easier and cost effective if they’re put in from the start.

Insulation

How you heat and cool your home is a large factor in how much and how efficiently you use energy. While a good furnace and air conditioner are smart investments, you shouldn’t use either until it is truly necessary. A ceiling fan or a space heater takes much less energy to run and can be a good alternative for when the weather is less extreme. Most energy efficient homes use spray foam insulation which acts as an insulation resisting heat loss. Spray foam can expand up to 100 times its original size creating a more energy efficient insulation option. Upgrades such as this lead to a cost effective alternative for an energy efficient home. Paragon Homes understands the importance of energy efficiency which is why we have made it our mission to provide these upgrades with every standard home, at a much more reasonable price.

Lightbulbs

Another good way to save energy in your home is by ensuring that you’re using the right light bulbs. There are two main types of energy-saving bulbs, namely compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Both of these bulbs will help you save money and energy. However, due to the fact that they save more energy and have a longer life, LEDs are the more popular option between the two. So, make sure that all the bulbs in your house are either LEDs or CFLs instead of incandescent. As a result, you can save a lot on your electricity bill each month.

While changing various things around your home can cut down on how much energy you use, most of your home’s efficiency comes from how it’s built. That’s why we, at Paragon Homes, are dedicated to building your dream home to be as energy-efficient as possible. That way you can have the home you’ve always wanted with the power bills you’ve always dreamed of.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Did you know that heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home? The cost of an active solar heating system will vary but will significantly reduce your fuel bills in the winter while also reducing the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gasses. Active solar heating systems are most cost-effective in cold climates and use solar energy to heat your home. Liquid-Based Active Solar Heating is most appropriate for central heating. Liquid systems store solar heat in tanks of water or in the masonry mass of a radiant slab system. A radiant floor, hot water baseboard or radiator, or a central forced-air system is used to distribute the solar heat. Once the system is in place, it has to be properly maintained to optimize its performance. Through knowledge and the maintenance of our homes, Paragon Homes provides a distinctive home with long-term investment value.

Windows

Improved energy efficiency is a perk most expect when they install a new window. Improving a home’s energy efficiency is one of the top reasons people choose to replace or update their old windows. These changes can help homeowners cut down on utility costs and feel more comfortable in their homes year round. Keep energy efficient glass in mind when shopping for new windows. Energy efficient glass insulates twice as well as single pane windows while also maximizing your energy efficiency. How you install your windows can also act as a factor. Proper window installation will help prevent air infiltration and water damage but if installed incorrectly, the windows may not operate properly. Not only is proper installation important, the style of windows you choose for your home will make a massive difference. If you are looking for the most energy efficient style of windows, you are going to want casement windows. These windows have a strong seal on all four sides, offering high levels of energy efficiency. If a window isn’t sealed securely, air can leak in between, running up your energy bill. Paragon Homes takes all these factors into account when designing your custom home. We are proud to be an energy efficient home builder, using sound building practices and refusing to cut corners.