So you’ve finally decided to add on an extra room at the back of the house or build that sunroom you’ve always wanted. Constructing a home addition can be a few months of annoying mess and noise but in the end it’s worth it.
If you are going to invest in the expense of a home addition it also makes sense to ensure that it is as energy efficient as possible. By taking the time to pre-plan and build by using energy efficient techniques, fixtures, and technology, you can save yourself a lot of money in utility costs while ensuring an increase in home comfort.
Where do you start?
The first thing you should consider is purchasing ENERGY STAR rated fixtures – this includes lighting systems, windows, doors, and any appliances that you might be installing in any new home addition. ENERGY STAR certification means that a product meets or exceeds national standards in home energy efficiency.
A certified RESNET contractor is an expert in home efficiency products and construction. They will be able to help you make wise decisions when planning a construction project.
When deciding how you should proceed, you should pay special attention to:
• Windows: Select ENERGY STAR rated windows that have an airtight seal.
• Doors: Should be of high quality and provide a tight seal against the outdoor elements.
• Lighting fixtures: Choose a system that is efficient and allows you to reduce the amount of light through a dimmer control switch.
• Appliances: Select ENERGY STAR rated appliances to reduce your energy consumption.
Depending on what type of home addition you are building, there are other advanced energy-saving devices worth looking at. If your new room will be using a hot water system, this is the time to explore alternatives such as a tank-less water heater. A tank-less water system heats water on demand, as opposed to a tank system that stores and reheats water constantly.
A popular choice for a home addition is a sunroom built onto the back or side area of an existing home. While a sunroom is an enjoyable leisure place in any house, it can be a source of energy loss if not constructed properly. The good news is there are ways to not only build a beautiful sunroom, but to create one that is energy efficient and well insulated. The most important factor when building a sunroom is the type of windows you have installed.Low quality glass and frames will lead to energy loss and a drain on your home’s resources. By installing high quality ENERGY STAR rated windows during construction you will reap the benefits by saving money right from the start!
Contact a certified RESNET auditor or rater to assist you in making the right decisions to create a beautiful and functional home addition.