New Home Decisions
More than 1.39 million people will be building a new home in the U.S. this year. Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. As you start planning your new home you’ll find there are thousands of decisions to make. Choosing the right contractor, floor plan, carpet color and bathroom fixtures are all part of the process. Unfortunately, the price tag often brings us back to reality.
The decisions you make now will last you a lifetime. Before you know it, you’ll be moving into your dream home. But one thing people often overlook in the planning process is the energy bill. You will have an energy bill longer than you will have a mortgage. However, there are several ways you can make your home energy efficient without spending a lot of money.
Common Features Of A New Home:
- 2,100 Square feet
- 2 car garage
- Central air conditioning
- 4 or more bedrooms
- At least one fireplace
- Full or partial basement
Energy Efficient Homes
Home Energy Sources
Deciding what energy source to use is a complicated decision. If you live in an old home or a mobile home now, your electric bill is probably very high. These homes are not energy efficient and are energy guzzlers.
A new energy efficient home with more square footage will typically cost you less to operate than an old home or a mobile home. Energy efficient savings will last as long as you own your home. Installing the proper insulation will cut down on the size of heating/cooling system and keep your home economical to operate.
Use Nature To Make Your Home Energy Efficient.
- Use trees in your landscaping – trees can reduce air conditioning costs. Enhance your comfort and minimize the need for lawns and lawn mowing.
- Use the sun – Make sure your windows are south facing and have limited glass on the north side.
- Use the earth – by using a Ground Source Heat Pump you can use the energy found in the earth to heat and cool your home. The earth is one big solar collector.
- Before any heating and cooling system is installed, a Manual J Thermal Analysis should be properly sized for the home to ensure energy efficiency.
Considerations to Reduce Your Energy Bill
- If using a forced-air system make sure all ducts are sealed. Duct leakage often leads to comfort, moisture, health and safety problems.
- Insulate – make sure all low spots and gaps are sealed. These spots allow air to flow freely.
- Use sprayed-in insulation (wet-spray cellulose, blown-in fiberglass or foam) instead of batts in exterior walls.
- In bathrooms, insulate behind fiberglass tub enclosures (when they are installed against exterior walls).
- Insulate dropped ceilings over closets and bathrooms.
Stopping air infiltration will save you money in the long run. Any short cuts taken during construction may have a negative impact in the future. Building energy efficiency into your project will save time and money during the life of your home.
Call 1-800-242-1776 BEFORE You Dig
PA One Call is a state wide alert system that notifies all utilities of work to be done near their underground lines.
PA One Call should be called BEFORE you plan to dig. This number can be called anytime. A seventy-two hour advance notice should be given for most work. However, PA One Call can be contacted any time for emergency purposes.
Contacting the PA One Call system relieves you of any responsibility for damage that may occur while work is being done.
Additional Home Considerations
