6 Energy Efficiency Tips for Custom Homes in Michigan

As the world is increasingly burdened by the realities of climate change, energy efficiency has never been more important. For better context, some of the sad narratives brought about by climate change include:

• Rising Sea Levels
• Loss of Biodiversity
• Increase in the Number of Extreme Weather Conditions
• Adverse Health Impacts
• Food & Water Scarcity
• Social Inequality
• Economic Losses
• Ecosystem Collapse
• Displacement & Migration
• Ocean Acidification

Most of the above-listed points to climate change’s adverse effects on the environment. For instance, wildlife has been on the receiving end to a great extent. You can click here for more on that.

Well, energy efficiency is one of the several ways we all can contribute to our quota to resolve this crisis. To this end, we will discuss some energy efficiency tips for custom homes in Michigan. So, read on to stay informed.

Energy-Saving Ideas for Michigan’s Custom Homes

Enhancement in the areas of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and luxury are three things usually in the minds of people who embark on custom home-building projects. However, such people need to add a fourth to the list by including energy efficiency.

The good thing is that paying attention to energy efficiency also helps with the actualization of these other three priorities. Having made this known, some tips for Michigan custom homes are discussed below:

High-Performance Insulation

Cold winters are not unusual in Michigan, which is why a lot depends on indoor heating systems during such periods. To this end, having your custom home built with high-performance insulation is a crucial part of ensuring energy efficiency.

First, it starts with choosing the right insulation materials. On this note, cellulose and spray foam are viable options to be considered because of their inherent insulation capabilities.

Furthermore, certain parts of the home deserve serious attention because of their susceptibility to heat loss, leading to a reduction in the efficiency of heating systems. Sections like the walls, floors, and attic spaces fall into this category.

Efficient Heating Systems

Temperatures can be extremely cold in this part of the country during winter. For better context, the state has seen as low as minus 46 degrees Celsius.

By the way, even the average temperature during this part of the year conveniently puts Michigan among the coldest places to be in the country. If you would like to know what winter feels like in Michigan, you can visit: https://www.michigan.gov/.

Paying keen attention to one’s indoor heating system is a huge part of being prepared for what winter throws at residents. Against this backdrop, the recommendation for those embarking on custom home projects is to install efficient heating systems.

For one, you should not make the mistake of choosing one that would be overworked. As a result, the home’s layout and size should be adequately factored in when choosing a heating system.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Window choices in Michigan can significantly impact how energy-efficient a home would be or otherwise. On this note, you should know that choices such as triple and double-pane windows are very impressive in this regard. The quality of their coatings is a major reason for this.

Overall, the objective should be choosing windows that significantly reduce heat gain during the warm seasons and do a good job of trapping heat in the cold seasons. The implication of successfully doing this would be lowering the cost of artificially improving indoor temperature. This is besides the convenience that you enjoy.

Seeing how important this is, you can go the extra mile by using window films as well. This would do a lot for improving insulation.

Smart Thermostats

Energy efficiency is about many things and that includes convenience and preventing or significantly reducing wastage. These parts of what energy efficiency is about are why the use of smart thermostats is seriously recommended.

Speaking of convenience, smart thermostats make it possible to remotely monitor and even adjust indoor temperature. As it concerns the prevention of energy waste; presetting temperatures for various periods, including the possibility of shutting off and coming on, is possible.

Solar Solutions

The upfront cost of using solar is expensive compared to conventional energy supply options. However, it turns out to be cheaper when you consider its long-term benefits.

Thankfully, Michigan has a diverse weather pattern, leaving room for sunshine at certain periods of the year. As a result, the use of solar solutions could help custom homes significantly offset some of their electricity use.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Custom homes are built to be highly functional and the calibre of appliances that they house is a major part of their functionality. Well, part of the luxury home design should focus on the use of energy-efficient appliances. On this note, appliances that are not energy-star-rated by the pertinent certification body should be ruled out.

To say that the 6 tips shared above are all that is required for energy efficiency would be an exaggeration. For example, other tips include the use of:

• LED Lighting
• Proper Sealing
• Green Roofing
• Passive Solar Design
• Water Conservation Systems

However, they are high on the list of the most important tips with some of them necessities, compared to others that can be considered optional. Energy efficiency in custom homes also calls for the need to hire home builders who are mindful of energy efficiency. For example, this should be very evident in their design.