Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money, and one of the best ways to do so is to make your home more energy efficient. After all, the average electricity rate around the country is only getting higher – so why wouldn’t you want to find more ways to save? The specific energy rates including PECO electricity rates may vary depending on your location, usage, and the plan you choose, so it’s essential to build an energy-efficient home to save on electricity costs.

An energy-efficient home is one that uses less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. There are several benefits to having an energy-efficient home. It can help you save money on your electricity bill, protect the environment, and much more!

By taking these steps, you can not only save money but also help to reduce your impact on the environment.

5 Tips for Building an Energy-efficient Home

Are you in the market for a new home? If so, you may want to consider building an energy-efficient home. Here are five tips for doing just that. 

1. Use Energy-efficient Building Materials 

When building a home, using energy-efficient building materials can help to reduce the overall energy consumption of the home. Energy-efficient building materials are designed to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the home. For example, using high-efficiency insulation in the walls and ceilings can help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. 

Similarly, low-emittance windows can help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost through the windows. 

By using these and other energy-efficient building materials, it is possible to build a home that uses less energy overall, saving money on utility bills and reducing the environmental impact of the home.

2. Install Energy-efficient Appliances 

One of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to install energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less electricity than traditional models, which can save you money on your utility bills. In addition, they often come with features that can help reduce your energy consumption, such as LED lights and programmable settings. 

When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, look for models that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. This label indicates that the appliance meets or exceeds standards for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

3. Start With a Smart Design

Building an energy-efficient home starts with a smart design. That means using materials that are good insulators and creating a well-sealed envelope. It also means orienting the home to take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling. When done right, these steps can dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the home. 

And that, in turn, can lead to significant reductions in utility bills. In addition, an energy-efficient home is often more comfortable to live in because it is better able to maintain consistent temperatures. As a result, building an energy-efficient home is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet.

4. Use Smart Home Technology

One of the most effective strategies is to use smart home technology. Smart thermostats, for example, are devices that learn your family’s schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. 
They also have sensors that detect when someone is home and when they’re not, so you’re not wasting energy when no one is around. 

Another way to save energy with smart technology is to use smart light bulbs. These bulbs can be controlled with your voice or your smartphone, and they use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Finally, smart appliances can also help you save energy. Many major appliance manufacturers now offer smart washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers that can be controlled remotely and have features that help you conserve energy.

5. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting and Fixtures

Another way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to install energy-efficient lighting and fixtures. 

Energy-efficient bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last longer, too. LED lights are the most energy-efficient type of light bulb currently available, and they’re becoming more affordable all the time. 

In addition to using energy-efficient bulbs, you can also save energy by installing motion sensor lights in strategic places around your home. 

These lights will only come on when someone is actually in the room, so you won’t have to worry about leaving them on all day or night. With a few simple changes, you can make your home much more energy efficient.

Final Thoughts

When building or remodeling your home, be sure to keep energy efficiency in mind. You can save a lot of money on your utility bills and help the environment by following these simple tips.

Jason Thomas is a native Texan, and Co-Founder and Partner at Vault Electricity, a Texas electricity brokerage firm. Founded in 2009, Vault Electricity helps homeowners and businesses find the best deal on electricity by comparing electricity rates from the most trusted electricity brands in Texas.