How to Make a Home Addition Energy-Efficient

Building a home addition is an exciting experience for a lot of homeowners. It is also the perfect opportunity to incorporate green remodeling practices that can bring great value to the residents and the environment. Not only will making your space more energy-efficient improve the design of your home, but it will also minimize your energy costs.

Door and Window Installations

It is fairly easy to forget about the bigger purpose of your doors and windows. In fact, some homeowners do not realize that these essential home features contribute to the energy efficiency of their living space. Doors and windows come with energy efficiency ratings that let customers know how effective they are at preventing heat gain or loss. Products that have a low U-factor like 0.30 perform better.

Adequate Insulation

Make sure to properly insulate your home addition during the construction phase. The R-value is a measure of how well a layer of insulation resists the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer. You should insulate your exterior walls with a product that has a rating of R-13 to R-23. To achieve the most efficient seal, consider designing your home addition with a continuous layer of insulation around the entire envelope.

Efficient Water Fixtures

If you are building a bathroom or kitchen, plumbing can play a vital role in your new home addition. Fortunately, you can reduce your water expenses by installing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. Choose faucets and showerheads that are low-flow, and look for a toilet with an insulated tank to minimize the chance of condensation.

Fort Bend Builders is a premier source of top-quality design-build solutions in and around Richmond, TX. We provide home additions, patio installation, bathroom and kitchen remodel services, and more. Call us today at (713) 714-1343, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.