Energy-efficient houses often use innovative and modern solutions to use less energy and still allow the homeowners to live in a comfortable environment equipped with all necessities. And while everything depends on your individual needs and preferences, there are still a few key design elements considered to be simply essential for any sustainable home. They range from the right windows to solar panels and proper insulation to energy-efficient appliances and more.

Continue reading to learn more about the features that will undoubtedly be worth the investment.

 

Solid Windows and Doors

The right, well-made, and high-quality windows and doors can make a world of difference in making your house more energy-efficient. For instance, if you have a dark staircase, north-facing windows in areas such as the kitchen, bedrooms, or living room, or you simply could use more daylight in your loft or attic, roof windows are one of the best choices you can make.

Not only will they illuminate the area, but depending on the option you get, they can also help ventilate the space. Therefore, it's essential to bear in mind that if you get fixed double-glazed roof windows, you won't be able to open them, but you can pay extra for a model that does open.

Double glazed windows are also incredibly efficient, as they can help reduce your heat loss during the winter or gain during summer. The difference can come even up to 30% in comparison to single-glazed windows.

When it comes to your doors, fiberglass models are considered one of the most energy-efficient and solid options on the market. Additionally, you can further insulate your doors by using caulking around the frames, installing weatherstripping, and a door sweep to eliminate drafts and seal your home against air, water, and pests.

 

Insulation

When it comes to insulating your home, there are many ways in which you can improve it. For instance, if you have an unfinished attic that gets really hot during the summer and can be freezing cold once the temperature drops, you can consider insulating the walls as well as the area under the roof to make the temperatures up there more manageable.

Most new homes are already built with proper insulation, but if it's not your case, there's no need to worry, as you can easily install another layer yourself. Therefore, if you intend to do this, choose the most suitable insulation materials for your particular home.

While fiberglass is often considered one of the best options, it may not always be the right one - especially if your home is located in an area where moisture could be a problem. Therefore, before choosing an insulation material, make sure that it's resistant to water, as well as mold and mildew.

 

Solar Panels

Solar panels are undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways to save energy as they allow you to harness the sun's energy and use it to power your home and appliances. Therefore, if you want to reduce your energy bills and help protect the environment, adding solar panels to your home is the best choice you can make.

Moreover, solar-powered heating allows you to heat your water with no emissions and at a lower cost than traditional methods. However, if you want to add them to your house, be prepared for the initial cost, as it might get relatively high, depending on the type of solar panels you choose, how many you get, or where they are installed.

Still, not only do solar panels give you advantages by reducing your energy bills, but they can also increase the value of your house, so it's definitely a worthwhile investment.

 

Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you want to live more sustainably and save money on energy bills at the same time, one of the things you can do is invest in energy-efficient appliances. In fact, even small changes such as switching your old refrigerator for a new Energy Star certified model or upgrading your old dryer for a high-efficiency one can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your energy bills and protecting the environment.

Therefore, when buying new electronic appliances such as a fridge or washing machine, try to pay extra attention to their energy ratings. Don't hesitate to invest in quality products that will serve you for years instead of buying cheap ones that you will need to replace after just a few months.

 

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than in a storage tank. They save on energy usage since they don't create the same energy losses as conventional storage water heaters do when heating the water inside of the tank.

The water is heated using either an electric or gas burner only when the hot water tap is opened. There is no need to wait for a storage tank to have enough hot water, and you'll always have a steady flow of hot water.

In addition to providing an endless supply of hot water, tankless water heaters are safer, need less space, are less likely to leak, and have a substantially longer lifespan than conventional water heaters.

 

In Conclusion

To sum up, energy-efficient solutions in home design are not only incredibly popular, but they also help to significantly cut down the cost of living in your house and, if you should ever decide to sell, they can increase its value.

Still, you should know which features are the most useful and worth your investments. It's good to start with spending your hard-earned money on solid windows and doors and insulating areas that lose or gain too much heat as the seasons change. You can also install solar panels, change your old appliances to energy-efficient ones, or buy a tankless water heater. Good luck!