Real Estate Term of the Day: Energy Efficient
ENERGY EFFICIENT – as applied to buildings, generally indicating the existence of extra insulation, weatherproofing, and/or specific features and equipment designed to reduce the cost of energy for heating, cooling and hot water (Barron’s Dictionary of Real Estate Terms)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy efficiency. You’ll save energy and money in the long run. It’s also a good time to invest in a renewable energy system that will provide your home with electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling.
Designing and constructing an energy-efficient house requires careful planning and attention to details. A whole-house systems approach can help you and your architect develop a successful strategy for incorporating energy efficiency into your home’s design. A whole-house systems approach considers the interaction between you, your building site, your climate, and these other elements or components of your home:
- Appliances and home electronics
- Insulation and air sealing
- Lighting and daylighting
- Space heating and cooling
- Water heating
- Windows, doors, and skylights.
Builders and designers who use this approach recognize that the features of one component in the house can greatly affect other components, which ultimately affects the overall energy efficiency of the house.
These are some benefits of using a whole-house systems approach:
- Reduced utility and maintenance costs
- Increased comfort
- Reduced noise
- A healthier and safer indoor environment
- Improved building durability.
What’s your Carbon Footprint? (a unique tool from The National Association of REALTORS®)
See also: Elements of an Energy-Efficient House, Energy Star
