Custom Home Energy Efficiency: Design Ideas That Reduce Utility Costs Long-Term in Columbia, MO

For Sustainable Living & Money Saved on Utilities, Add These Energy-Efficient Features to Your Mid-Missouri Custom Home

If you’re dreading your energy bills at the end of every month, it might be time not just for a new appliance, but for a new lifestyle. With the strides we’ve made in custom home building, your home can reduce its consumption of utilities to contribute to a better environment. Natural, eco-friendly features can also lead to a beautiful, visually-balanced home that your family will appreciate. 

Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and even communal spaces like the living room can be optimized for saving energy in Columbia, MO homes, and we know where and how these spaces can change as a seasoned custom home contractor. Get in touch with Rave Homes and follow the path to an energy-efficient custom home.

What is energy-efficient home construction in Columbia, MO?

The term “energy-efficient” is frequently used, but what does it really mean to have a home that matches up to this title? When a custom home prioritizes energy efficiency, it is designed thoughtfully to reduce heating and cooling costs, water usage, electricity waste, and more. These expenses can add up and cost you an extra $200 to $400 a month if the technology is outdated. 

Updating or creating an energy-efficient custom home also makes an impact on the planet. When resources are used as needed, it can cut down your carbon footprint significantly by emitting fewer pollutants, preventing the risk of blackouts, and more. Continue with Rave Homes to learn more about building a custom home with energy efficiency in mind!

Optimize the water features in your Columbia, MO custom home

Water is an essential component throughout the home, and managing it wisely will come with many benefits. An updated system will require less energy to heat and direct the water in your home, reducing your bills and wasted water at the same time. The first area to focus on is the bathroom; choosing energy-efficient showerheads and low-flow faucets can help you cut down on water consumption and offer a range of pressure settings. 

Hands-free sink faucets will also make a difference by preventing your sinks from running continuously. Many toilet options can also improve energy efficiency in a custom home: dual-flush features, reduced gallons of water per flush, and so many other modern options. Last but not least, an energy-efficient water heater can bring long-term warmth to your home and ensure the temperature is balanced in every room. 

Implement passive solar design for an energy-efficient home in mid-Missouri

Solar technology has skyrocketed over the past five years, and it is more popular in custom homes than ever. Many sustainable contractors will implement what is called “passive solar design” into custom layouts. This method naturally heats and lights different spaces of the home, including windows that face south and large panes that allow the sun to come through. 

The thermal mass of your flooring is also important. Brick, concrete, porcelain, and stone are the best materials for absorbing sunlight, regulating your custom home’s temperature with maximum effectiveness. Roof overhangs, window treatments, and other shading elements can protect areas from overheating in the summer as well. 

Columbia, MO homeowners conserve energy through quality heating, cooling & insulation

A huge portion of your home’s energy is dedicated to the heating and cooling system, so installing the most reliable units will be crucial. Smart thermostats are a great solution for controlling the temperature, even when you’re not at home! With personalized scheduling options, mobile access, data insights, and more, you’ll never have to worry about exceeding your budget on utilities. 

Insulation is another major factor in the energy efficiency of your home in Columbia, MO. It prevents warm and cool air from escaping, so your HVAC system can perform as intended. Blown-in cellulose or spray foam insulation is the ideal choice for homeowners, since it is the best at resisting the flow of heat. 

From the bathrooms to your kitchen, energy-efficient appliances make a difference

Everything that requires power in your home will play an important role in the use of energy. There are essential appliances throughout the layout, and those certified by Energy Star will be the most sustainable for your custom home. You can make your kitchen more energy-efficient by installing the right refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher for the house’s size and usage requirements. Other appliances, like your washer and dryer, can be upgraded to conserve heat, water, and energy.

Make sure energy-efficient windows & doors are installed in your Columbia home

Your windows aren’t just for looking outside, and your doors aren’t just for exiting the house. These two features make all the difference in your energy efficiency goals. In addition to installing larger windows, certain films can reduce drafts and prevent overheating in the summer. Custom home doors made with insulated materials such as steel, solid wood, or fiberglass will also block air from leaking. Make sure the doors are properly framed and sealed for ultimate protection. 

Smart lighting solutions can help you save on long-term utility costs

The way you light your home will also affect energy conservation, and you should discuss it with a professional contractor in Columbia, MO. With smart home technology, it’s easy to keep track of the ceiling lights, whether you use motion sensors or remote controls; no more concerns about leaving a hallway light on! The type of bulbs you implement is another crucial factor, so try using LED or CFL options over incandescent bulbs. Sustainable lighting goes beyond mechanical upgrades; skylights and expansive windows will also provide natural light.

Choose a renewable energy system for your custom home in Columbia, MO

Solar panels can reduce your carbon emissions, but the inclusion of other renewable energy sources will guarantee the best results. For example, a battery storage system can preserve extra solar energy and offer backup power when it’s necessary. When your Columbia, MO home has a full system for using the proper amount of energy at the right time, it will work wonders for your utility bills month to month.

Leave Your Energy-Efficient Custom Home to a Columbia Team With Passion & Experience. Contact Rave Homes & Build With Our Conscious Contractors Now

If you want to start fresh and live in a quality-made home, trust in Rave Homes’ detail-oriented construction team. We provide beautiful, energy-efficient custom homes in the Columbia, MO area, and we promise to give you a space that is perfectly insulated, designed with eco-friendly materials, and up-to-date on foundational utilities. Give us a call or contact us for an appointment!