How to Make Your Mountain Home More Energy Efficient
Are you a mountain homeowner who wants to make your space more energy- and cost-efficient? Whether you’re looking to build from scratch or remodel an existing property, there are certain strategies that the savvy homeowner can use to reduce energy costs.
From building with appropriate materials to making smart appliance choices, this blog post will provide valuable insight into how you can create a luxury mountain home while staying mindful of utility costs.
So if you want help providing lasting efficiency for your living space, look no further! Keep reading to find out all the best methods for introducing sustainability into your mountain getaway—without sacrificing any of its beauty or comfortability.
Choose the Right Building Materials
When it comes to building a new home or renovating an existing one, it’s important to consider the materials you use to ensure energy efficiency. Insulated walls, double-pane windows, and energy star-rated appliances are all excellent options for reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability.
But with so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are best for your project. That’s where the building and renovation experts at Burbach Companies come in. With their extensive experience and knowledge of the latest building materials and techniques, they can guide you through the selection process to ensure that your home is as eco-friendly and energy-efficient as possible.
Energy-Efficient Building Materials
Of course, you don’t want to compromise the aesthetic of your mountain home when making it more energy efficient. Thankfully some materials can give you the look you want while still pulling their weight when it comes to savings.
- Steel
- Insulating Concrete Forms
- Structural Insulation Panels
- Heat-Reflecting Roofing
- Plastic Composite Lumber
- Low-Emissivity Windows
Tint Your Windows
Speaking of windows, did you know window tinting isn’t just for cars? Tinting the windows of your mountain home is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce energy costs. By blocking out excessive heat and UV rays, tinted windows can help keep your interior cooler in the summer — thus reducing how often you need to run the air conditioner.
Not convinced that window tinting fits your design vision? A company like Simply Cool not only offers solar control window film, but decorative film as well. This means you don’t have to settle for a film that cheapens the look of your home; with professional installation, you will get the energy efficiency and the beauty you want from your windows.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Gone are the days of constantly adjusting the thermostat in the hopes of creating the perfect temperature. With a smart thermostat, you can set the desired temperature for different times of the day, just from your smartphone.
Imagine waking up to a warm and cozy home, while also saving money on your energy bill during the day when no one is home. With just a few clicks, you can customize your comfort level and enjoy the luxury of never having to think about adjusting the temperature again.
Investing in a programmable thermostat not only makes your life easier but also allows you to reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy. It’s a smart investment for both your wallet and the environment.
Insulate the Attic
The attic is often an overlooked area when it comes to home insulation. However, it can have a significant impact on the temperature and energy efficiency of your home. To prevent thermal loss and keep your home comfortable, it is essential to ensure that your attic is well-insulated and airtight.
Proper insulation and sealing will not only reduce your energy bills but also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. Plus, it can help you maintain a healthier indoor environment by keeping out pollutants and allergens. So, if you want to enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home, make sure to pay attention to your attic’s insulation and airtightness.
Best Type of Insulation for Attics
Three types of insulation work well in attics:
- Cellulose
- Fiberglass
- Spray Foam
While fiberglass insulation is the most commonly used in attics, it can also be more expensive than other options. However, since it isn’t prone to mold, it’s ideal for attics that may be exposed to damp weather conditions.
Cellulose is popular because it’s made of recycled paper materials, but it has to be installed perfectly to avoid settling over time, which reduces its effectiveness. Spray foam is extremely easy to install in all the nooks and crannies of an attic, and it doesn’t settle. If you’re not sure which to use, talk with your contractor for an expert opinion.
Use Nature to Your Advantage
Incorporating natural elements into your energy-efficiency plan is an important component to consider. Strategically placing trees and shrubs provide shade during the summer months, and they can act as natural insulators during the colder months. For this to be effective, plant vegetation on the east- and west-facing sides of your home.
In addition to being useful, you’ll love the beauty of having your home nestled in greenery. After all, isn’t that why you built or bought in the mountains in the first place?
Best Vegetation for Energy Conservation
Deciduous trees are ideal for aiding in energy conservation for two reasons: 1) they have leaves in the summer to help shade your home from the sun and, 2) they lose their leaves in the winter to allow sunlight to help warm your home.
Low, dense vegetation also works as a wind stop, which can increase your home’s efficiency. When choosing the right plants for your home, always consider their mature size, otherwise, you run the risk of planting a tree too close to your home or other structures on your property and they can do more harm than good.
Rely on the Experts
Thankfully, you don’t always have to do the leg work to get the results you want. Investing in a luxury home isn’t something you have to do on your own; when you partner with a dream team like that at Lakota in Winter Park, they take the guesswork out of the process. Your mountain retreat can be customized, energy efficient, and situated on the perfect plot when you trust the experts in luxury living.
Creating the perfect luxury mountain home is a process. It requires a lot of foresight, planning, and dedication to make sure that it operates at maximum efficiency and utilizes all of the available energy resources.
By utilizing the tips above when building or remodeling your home, you can ensure that it meets your needs while staying energy-efficient. Luxury mountain homes can be expensive, but by taking extra care to make sure yours is truly energy efficient you’ll be able to save money on the cost of living.
The key is to plan out your build or renovation with an eye towards sustainability and energy savings, as this will pay dividends for many years to come!
