Building Green: Tips for Energy-Efficient New Home Construction from Nearly Services's blog

As climate change concerns mount, sustainable living has entered the spotlight. If you're having a home built, adopting energy-efficient practices is easier and more affordable than retrofitting down the road. Specifically requesting green materials and systems during construction saves dramatically on energy bills for years while reducing your carbon footprint. Learn how employing eco-conscious new home building techniques saves you green in both senses long-term. Build your dream home with confidence and quality craftsmanship by choosing our home construction company. We're dedicated to turning visions into reality with precision and excellence.

Before finalizing land to custom construct upon, scrutinize the surrounds. Can you walk/bike to shops, schools, parks and other essentials? Are public transit options available nearby to limit driving? Easy access to amenities and alternative transportation modes reduce associated costs while adding convenience.

moreover, research which direction the site faces. South-facing revels in passive solar warmth from plentiful light. Smart landscaping provides summertime shade to prevent overheating indoors. Well-positioned homes harness nature’s benefits.

Also evaluate insulation needs based on climate. Request spray foam, which prevents air leaks far better than bat insulation. Top R-value insulation corresponds to higher efficiency and lower cooling/heating bills. Consider insulated concrete forms (ICFs) retaining heat in winter and cold in summer. Investing a bit more upfront on superior insulation really pays off. 

Additionally, invest in triple-pane windows, which incorporate three sheets of glass to slow heat/cooling transfer more effectively than double-paned. Optimize window placement for cross-ventilation and warmth from sunlight during colder months. North-facing expansive glass welcomes light sans overheating.

Incorporate sustainable building materials for maximum efficiency:

-              Recycled decking and siding prevents landfill waste while retaining quality

-              Plant-based spray foam insulation offers similar effectiveness to conventional chemicals

-              Framing materials from responsibly managed forests help the planet

-              Concrete/bricks combining recycled materials require less production than traditional varieties 

Heating/cooling represents up to half of home energy expenses. So also select an appropriately sized, high-efficiency HVAC system. Models carrying ENERGY STAR certification indicate solid options. Properly sealed, insulated ductwork likewise prevents conditioned air leaks. And programmable thermostats conveniently regulate temps when away.

For further savings, choose tank less water heaters heating liquid only on demand rather than maintaining reserves requiring constant heating. These compact, eco-options provide endless hot water minus standby energy losses from storage tanks. 

Like HVAC equipment, seek out ENERGY STAR kitchen/laundry appliances. Swap out any lighting for LED bulbs projected to last years while consuming minimal energy. Installing timers, motion detectors, and smart switches turns off lights when not needed.

Finally, build homes wired for eco-friendly renewable energy harnessed onsite. Rooftop solar panels transform plentiful sunshine into free power. Geothermal heat pumps transfer warmth to/from underground. And wind turbines can generate supplemental electricity in breezy areas.