New Construction Means Energy Efficiency: Here’s Why
Saving money never goes out of style, especially with today’s never-ending financial headlines and ongoing cost of living increases. But there’s one category ICI Homes customers don’t have to fret about when they build or buy a new custom Florida home with us: energy expenses.
New residential construction provides a huge boost to homeowners’ bottom lines because everything is new. Everything is built to the latest codes and standards. And, with regular maintenance and monitoring, your new home’s utilities and appliances should hum right along in the most efficient way for years to come, with a consistent cost savings you can count on.
That’s often not the case with resale homes, whose energy and mechanical systems, and physical structures, already have some age on them, sometimes a lot. That can mean less energy efficiency and higher costs when you buy a resale home.
Here’s more on why new construction means energy efficiency.
The cost factor
Comparing the energy efficiency between a new custom Florida home and any age of a resale home is a financial exercise.
Not every resale home comes with significant elevated energy costs, but the term “new” is key here. Depending on their age, resale homes often need to be made more energy efficient. That means a home renovation project on top of your purchase price, moving and closing costs.
Plus, if you’re considering buying a resale home, it’s smart to pay for a home inspection (more dollars out of your pocket) prior to committing to any purchase. Scheduling an energy audit (usually free) by a local provider also is a good move. But steel yourself for the results.
Replacing roofs, windows and doors, or heating and air conditioning systems can cost tens of thousands of extra dollars. Add those possible expenses to a buyer’s home-inspection cost, and the numerical difference between resale home and new construction home costs can be remarkable (not in a good way).
The EQ Factor
Building or buying a new custom Florida home with ICI Homes removes those costs. We’ve built new homes all over the state for 45 years and each one we build is assembled to our own EQ Factor guidelines, energy wise and quality built.
Some peace-of-mind examples: construction techniques that give each home a tighter seal, Energy Star appliances, environmentally friendly materials, and certified mechanical systems.
Simple ways to maintain energy efficiency
Once in residence in your new custom Florida home, you can help maintain its energy-efficient performance with these easy tips and tricks:
Replacing light bulbs with super-efficient LED bulbs
Custom-programing any digital home technology systems via a phone app
Unplugging non-appliance digital or household devices when not in use. This prevents them from draining unnecessary electricity.
Change HVAC and pool equipment filters regularly. Dirty air filters force your systems to work harder.
Close doors. We know it’s easier to leave the pocket sliders open when running back to the kitchen for a snack, but when it comes to energy savings, you’ll want to do this.
Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.
Saving money never goes out of style, especially with today’s never-ending financial headlines and ongoing cost of living increases. But there’s one category ICI Homes customers don’t have to fret about when they build or buy a new custom Florida home with us: energy expenses.
