There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a house. From finding the perfect location in your price range to a reliable title service, such as TitleSmart, house-hunting is anything but easy.
There are also a lot of factors about the house itself that can make or break you over time. Now, more than ever, it is important to choose a house that is energy efficient. Whether you’re concerned about the environment or looking to save money on energy bills, here are four things to consider while looking for a home that is energy efficient.
Structure
The structure of the house will effect how efficient it is. A house with narrow sides facing east and west will get less low-angle sunlight per day, meaning the house will be cooler. Also, Insulation is key. A loft space above living quarters will help to keep the house cool, as heat naturally rises. In areas where heating is necessary, the roof should be well-insulated to avoid losing heat as it rises. Windows at body-level will better circulate breeze from outside.
Technology
Older boilers will lose a lot of heat. A condensing boiler and air or ground heat pumps will help to recover a lot of the lost energy. It is also a good idea to try to avoid older houses, because you will probably need to replace most, if not all, of the appliances for maximum efficiency. You definitely don’t want to hold on to old washers, dryers, and temperature-controlling systems that can cost a fortune in energy bills.
Interior
Flooring can make a big difference in your energy bill. Carpeting can trap heat, making it much more difficult to cool your home, while materials such as tile are naturally cool. Wood flooring is a medium between the two. An open floor plan will help to circulate air naturally, and look for a kitchen with good ventilation to get rid of generated heat.
Exterior
Color does matter. A more efficient house will be light in color, to reflect the heat of the sun rather than absorb it. The shape of your home and roof can actually matter as well. A more triangular roof will help to distribute heat energy absorbed, and you can help to make any house more efficient by either painting the roof a light color, purchasing reflective paint, or even covering it with sod!
Today, there are a lot of additional methods to make your house more energy-efficient. If your perfect house isn’t energy-efficient, don’t despair! There are a lot of ways to make a house more efficient without tearing it down.
Kara Masterson, the author of this article, is a freelance writer from Utah.
Tweet
The post 4 Things to Focus on While Looking For An Energy Efficient Home appeared first on .