Five Cost-Saving Features in Energy-Efficient Homes

As the largest locally owned realty firm in Greater Syracuse, John Arquette Properties is determined to find clients the perfect home. In this economy, cost efficiency is key, and energy-efficient homes are trending. Here are some aspects of cost-conscious homes that benefit anyone buying a home.

(1) Roofing Material

The type of roof on a home can either cut or increase costs dramatically. A house should have a cool roof, which means the material is made of a type of reflective material so heat can bounce off and make the home easier to cool, to be truly energy efficient. This is especially cost effective in warmer climates.

(2) Skylights

Sometimes, people who are new to buying a home view skylights as strictly decorative or unnecessarily expensive. However, they can actually be a great way to make your home more energy efficient. Skylights provide direct, natural lighting that will help cut expenses on the power bill, as will their ability to improve ventilation and heating.

(3) Decor Choices

Design choices such as having ceiling fans in each room or the exterior paint color can affect heating and cooling costs. Fans help circulate air and lead to lower power bills. Further, lighter colors on the outside of the home can help reflect heat.

(4) Ventilation & Sealing

Making sure windows and doors are properly sealed, as well as providing proper ventilation in your home, are a few of the many ways to save when buying a home. Well-sealed homes require mechanical ventilation, which prevents mold by bringing in filtered, fresh air. This not only helps with health concerns, but it also saves money by not using natural gas or outdated furnaces.

(5) Proper Insulation

Insulation is, perhaps, the most important way to make a house cost effective. For example, adding extra insulation between walls and not forgetting to insulate the upstairs and attic areas can keep costs down by a tremendous amount. The more insulation, the better and easier it is to heat and cool the entire house.

These practical and effective features of energy-efficient homes are great items to look for in your next house. Contact our offices today and we'll get started on finding the right one for you.