Why New Construction Homes are More Energy Efficient vs. Older Homes

If you are in the market for a new construction energy efficient home in the suburbs north of Philadelphia, consider the option of a new construction home in Bucks County, PA. Many of these properties are ideal for buyers looking to save money on bills while reducing their carbon footprint.

Houses constructed by highly-respected builders, such as Hallmark Homes Group, offer several advantages over older homes. These newer properties involve the latest techniques for insulation, airflow and climate control while featuring state-of-the-art appliances and eco-friendly energy sources.

Save Money on Energy Costs

Over the last 20 years, manufacturers of building materials have learned what causes a home to leak temperature-treated air to the outside while letting unwanted outdoor air inside. By using the latest building standards, insulating techniques and airtight, multi-pane windows — new homes can be built to resist this. In older houses, inefficient air loss is caused by gaps that gradually develop in the building’s foundation, walls, ceiling and attic. As interior air escapes from these small openings, a vacuum effect is created which draws in air from the outside.

New Homes Have Updated Heating & Cooling

Just like the roof on an old house, heating and cooling systems in older homes can leak temperature-treated air through cracks and holes on aging ductwork. This is especially important in areas with warm summers and cool winters, such as Pennsylvania. New construction homes commonly feature the latest innovations in conduit for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). These systems maximize air flow while minimizing leakage, which saves on how much energy is needed to cool and heat your home. Less use of energy can add up to significant savings over time while creating fewer carbon emissions.

Control the Energy in Your New Home Easily

Effectively managing indoor temperatures is another energy-efficient feature of newer homes. In an older home, the furnace or AC unit may be inadvertently left running while the house is unoccupied or throughout the night while people are asleep. This consumes unnecessary energy which can contribute to high monthly utility bills. However, thermostats and air conditioning units in newer homes are equipped with smart technology that can reduce energy use by maintaining ideal temperatures only when the home is occupied. Accessible remotely from apps on a smart device, these units can be programmed far in advance to maintain ideal temperatures year round.

Enjoy Modern Energy Efficient Innovations

Another set of factors that makes new homes more energy efficient than older houses are state-of-the-art appliances. Cutting-edge builders, such as Hallmark, install dishwashers, refrigerators, laundry units and water heaters in all of their new builds. These features are designed for maximum output while using minimal energy. This can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings while lowering household carbon emissions.

Make Energy Saving Upgrades With Ease

There are several simple ways in which residential properties can be optimized for energy efficiency. During the build you can speak to your builder to make upgrades or upgrades can be done as a series after the home is built. These can be implemented with a modest investment — which can be rewarded many times over with long-term savings and eco-friendly benefits:

1. Additional insulation in attics and crawl spaces
2. Multi-pane windows
3. Airtight ductwork
4. Smart heating and cooling technology
5. Energy-efficient kitchen and laundry appliances
6. Solar panels and other alternative energy sources

There are many benefits of choosing a residential property built and designed with state-of-the-art energy efficiency. Contact us to learn more about all the advantages which await you in a newly-built Hallmark home.