Part of new home research is defining reasons why NOT to build or live in homes you may have been curious about. It’s part of our psyche, as we want to make a good buying or investment decision. Purchasing a home, whether new or existing is an investment and you want a return on our investment. In regards to new homes, one of the biggest investments to consider is energy efficiency. The rising cost of energy is an increasing factor in determining the best new home option.
A growing demand requirement in new homes is energy efficiency or zero energy homes. Below are 8 advantages of living in a zero energy home to consider:
Lower Cost of Ownership
As mentioned above, the cost of home ownership has been on the rise mainly due to high energy costs – energy needed to heat, cool, cook and light your space. Zero energy homes are designed to reduce energy demand by providing an air tight, controlled interior environment; therefore, reducing the need for constant heating and cooling.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
A tightly sealed space will reduce the possibility of outdoor contaminants or pollutants from entering your home. Contaminates/pollutants such as dust, smoke, mold spores, and other allergens are greatly reduced in a zero energy home. If you suffer from seasonal allergies or have respiratory problems improving your indoor quality would be one your top requirements in a new home.
Healthier Home
Improved indoor air quality creates a healthier home. A healthier home is a happy home. In addition to reducing pollutants and filtering the indoor air, the interior of the home uses non-toxic finishes, paints, and other material resulting in a much healthier home to live in.
Low Maintenance Costs
There’s always going to be maintenance on a home, whether new or existing. However, you can reduce maintenance costs and cleaning time. With a zero energy home, the air tight construction and high-efficiency indoor air system, moisture content is dramatically reduced which means no mold, mildew or water damage. In addition, fresh filtered air reduces dust and allergens, which means less cleaning and more time doing fun things.
Contributing as a Clean Energy Source
Reducing our carbon footprint has been a topic for many years now. First, it started with the automobile and manufacturing industries, but now it’s with the housing industry. Zero energy homes are now contributing to a clean energy and renewable energy source due to the use of solar panels and home wind turbines. In fact, zero energy homes generate their own energy and return excess energy back to the grid.
Quieter Home
Design and materials used in zero energy homes filter outdoor noise pollution, as well as reduce the noise levels of your mechanical systems. High-density exterior wall insulation and insulated energy efficient windows and doors reduce noise transfer through the walls and openings. Mechanical systems are also not working as hard; therefore, not running as often reducing mechanical noise.
Durability/Quality
Designing and building a zero energy home requires durable and quality materials. Steel is a major building material necessary to construct the floors, walls and roof systems of zero energy homes. Steel is much stronger than wood and doesn’t hold moisture, which is the main contributor to mold growth inside homes.
Resale Value
The demand for energy-efficient homes continues to surge; therefore the values will continue to rise. If you want to increase the possibility of your primary investment to generate equity throughout your ownership, consider a zero energy home.
