In This Blog You Will Find:
Trend predictions for the future of efficient custom home building. Think energy efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, solar panels and smart technology. Net-Zero and other sustainable practices will be leading efficient custom home builds or major renovations.
Building a Net-Zero Custom Home in Calgary
Net-Zero homes generate as much energy as they use. Why build an efficient, Net-Zero home?
- This type of custom home will boast lower utility bills and protect you from increasing energy costs.
- Owning a net-zero custom home is environmentally responsible as it decreases your carbon footprint.
- Net-Zero homes offer better insulation and overall performance than traditional homes.
If Net-Zero seems to be a large commitment or unattainable at the moment, why not build an efficient home that is still environmentally conscious? The following are features, materials and design ideas should you incorporate into your custom efficient or Net-Zero home.
- Energy Efficient Appliances: These types of appliances are essential for building a custom efficient home. Energy-efficient appliances help you save money and energy while decreasing your environmental footprint.
- Highly Insulated Windows: Windows and doors are common culprits for losing energy in households. Building an airtight home ensures a reduction in heat loss. A Calgary custom home builder can assist you with selecting the perfect windows for your custom efficient home.
- Cool Roofs: Yes, even the material of your custom roof can help you in reducing your energy consumption! Choose options like asphalt, tiles, clay and slate and incorporate light-coloured pigments in your Net-Zero or energy efficient home. A cool roofing material ensures reduced energy bills and improves indoor comfort for rooms without air conditioning.
- Energy Efficient Lighting: LED lights are trending for their energy-saving abilities. Your Calgary custom home builder can discuss lighting options and layout with you to illuminate your new home build or major renovation.
- HRV/ERV: It is important to incorporate options that generate a clean, healthy indoor environment. Common systems for ventilation are HRVs and ERVs. Your Calgary custom home builder can discuss HVAC options that work for your custom efficient home.
- Solar Panels: Solar panels are growing in popularity among energy-efficient custom homes. These systems derive energy from the sun, a renewable energy source. Solar panels reduce air pollution, reduce costs and are low maintenance.
- ICF Foundation: At Sunset Homes we are fans of ICF foundation not only for its safety and resiliency advantages but for its sustainability factors. Did you know ICF foundation is manufactured with recycled materials and the end products can be recycled? This form of foundation also reduces waste and is energy efficient.
Smart Technology in Your Custom Efficient Home in Calgary
Smart technology appliances and systems are trending in custom efficient homes! Consider the following smart technology options you can add to your new home build or major renovation with Sunset Homes.
- Smart Thermostats: A smart thermostat can be controlled from your smartphone, where it’s easy to schedule your household temperature. You can set your thermostat to keep your furnace off while you’re on vacation and to warm up the house the day you return. These thermostats can help save on your energy bills.
- Smart Light Bulbs: Take your LED bulbs even further by installing smart light bulbs in your custom home. Smart bulbs can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times. If you forget to turn your lights off you can use your smartphone to remotely turn them off. Your smartphone can also dim the lights for you when bright light isn’t needed.
- Sprinkler Systems: Smart sprinkler systems can reduce your water bill and can be controlled from your smartphone. These systems can detect if it's raining or windy, and will automatically skip watering that day.
If you’re planning on building a Net-Zero of Efficient home we recommend working with a reputable custom home builder, with experience in these types of homes. A knowledgeable home builder can help you with even more options to reduce your energy consumption and decrease your environmental impact.
At Sunset Homes, we work closely with Built Green, a program that facilitates sustainable home building. Built Green has four levels of achievement for energy-efficient homes; bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Check out our blog that delves further into this program here. We can help you build an efficient custom home at whichever level of achievement you strive for.
There are many options for sustainable building materials, appliances, and options. The future of custom Net-Zero and efficient homes is promising.
If you are looking for more information on building a Net-Zero or efficient custom home in Calgary or surrounding area Contact Sunset Homes today.
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