Custom Home Building: Designing for Energy Efficiency
Creating an energy-efficient home can involve more than using ENERGY STAR appliances and a smart thermostat. If you're building a custom home in Minnesota, there are plenty of ways to incorporate energy-efficient features at the design level that will reduce your home’s carbon footprint, promote sustainability, and help reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.
Bigelow Homes has been designing and building custom homes in Minnesota for over 40 years. As home designs change, so do we.
Our team of expert designers can help you include these energy-efficient features in your custom dream home in one of our many affordable neighborhood communities.
Passive Solar Design
Passive solar design does not involve installing solar panels, though that is always an option. This simply means that when building your home, orient the house to maximize southern exposure, allowing natural sunlight to heat the interior during the winter months.
In addition, incorporating large, triple-pane, low-emissivity (low-E) windows on the south-facing side can help capture heat while minimizing heat loss. During the summer, you can use shading devices or overhangs to prevent overheating.
This approach reduces reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.
High-Performance Construction
During the building process, ensure that the home is well-insulated and airtight to prevent heat loss. Use high R-value insulation in walls, roofs, and floors.
The recommended R-values to target in Minnesota are:
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Attics: R-49 as a minimum, R-60 for colder areas
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Walls: R-20 is recommended
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Basements: R-15 is recommended
Ensure all joints and openings are sealed to eliminate drafts. Energy-efficient windows and doors can help keep indoor temperatures stable.
Together, these measures enhance thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.
Advanced HVAC Systems
When choosing an HVAC system, opt for energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems designed for Minnesota’s climate. Consider ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps, which leverage the earth’s stable temperature for heating and cooling.
You can also incorporate energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to improve indoor air quality while conserving energy. These systems provide consistent comfort with lower energy use.
Sustainable Building Materials
Use environmentally friendly materials to minimize the home’s carbon footprint. Opt for sustainably sourced wood, recycled materials, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products to enhance indoor air quality.
These choices contribute to healthier living environments and support sustainable practices.
Certification & Incentives
Aim for certifications like ENERGY STAR or Minnesota’s Green Path to validate your home's energy efficiency and potential for incentives. These certifications can also enhance the home’s resale value and apparel to environmentally conscious buyers.
Some incentives you could take advantage of include:
Another useful website is the Home Upgrades website from the U.S. Department of Energy, which allows you to search for different home upgrades to see what incentives are available.
Build Your Energy-Efficient Dream Home With Bigelow
As the largest home builders in Southern Minnesota, we know a thing or two about designing and building efficient homes. Bigelow Homes is committed to providing affordable housing opportunities for families looking to put down roots in one of southern Minnesota’s budding communities.
With our help, you’ll be in the home of your dreams before you know it! Just check out our reviews from other families we’ve helped.
Don’t wait to build your dream home. Give us a call today at 507-529-1161 or request more information online.
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