Archive for the 'Energy Efficient Homes' Category

SAVING ENERGY WITH ECO FRIENDLY CUSTOM HOMES IN KILLEEN CENTRAL TEXAS

Monday, July 19th, 2010

The concept of eco friendly custom homes has revolutionized the home building and construction market in Killeen, Central Texas. As people become aware about the environmental issues and try to reduce depleting resources, they want to build green homes. This trend has provided an opportunity for eco friendly custom home builders and realtors to meet the requirements of a wider audience by introducing green elements in newly constructed homes.

Green custom homes have two main aspects, namely eco-friendly structure and lower maintenance costs. When combined, this makes eco-friendly homes very attractive for new home owners as well as remodeled homes who want to save energy with eco friendly custom homes in Killeen. To begin your journey towards a healthier, energy-saving home and lifestyle, it is important to hire a custom home builder who specializes in creating state-of-the-art eco friendly custom homes.

Apart from your budget, the focus must be on using energy efficient designs and building techniques, such as:

  • It is a good idea to use building materials left from or recycled from previous home improvement and construction projects. This will reduce the need for additional resources and allow home owners to save money.
  • Usage of natural resources like sunlight (to warm up water and lighting purpose) and wind (for natural air circulation) should be encouraged.
  • Going green involves the creation of a new or remodeled structure. You can get a living roof made from tress, plants, shrubs and other natural things to block water as well as provide insulation for the roof.
  • The cooling, heating and lighting systems installed in your custom home should use minimal electricity, water and other energy sources.
  • While aiming to save energy with eco-friendly custom homes in Killeen, you can use alternative building materials.

As the energy consumption of your custom home declines, it becomes more environment friendly. The key is to choose experienced green custom home builders to implement the best possible ways of designing and building homes that are energy efficient. It is also a wonderful way utilize the natural resources to the fullest without harming the environment.

We at Dustin Dewald Custom Homes specializes in creating energy saving, eco-friendly homes in Killeen, Central Texas. Contact us today to know how we can turn your dreams into reality.

Killeen Home Builders - Central Texas Custom Home Builders

IDEAS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION AT HOME

Monday, June 7th, 2010

With increasing emphasis on global warming and energy conservation, it is important for every person to contribute towards saving the planet. There are many quick, easy and practical ways to save energy in your home. Not only does it help the environment but also reduces your monetary liabilities.

  • Installing power management systems in your computer and monitor is a must. This allows the device to go into sleep mode after certain amount of time. Make sure that this feature is activated on all your personal computers so that energy can be saved while you are not working. In the long term, a laptop may be a better option as it takes less energy than a regular desktop.
  • Even when turned off, many home appliances continue their energy consumption. It is best to unplug them, whenever possible or purchase a smart power strip.
  • The effects of sunlight and heat from its rays can also be managed to reduce energy consumption. During winters, you must keep the curtains open on windows facing south to allow natural heating of your home. These can be closed in the evening to retain maximum heat and avoid cold chill on windows. Check whether the curtains are blocking radiators or air vents. The opposite must be done in summers.
  • A large part of energy usage in homes involves hot water consumption. By reducing this, you can conserve a lot of energy. Instead of taking a bath, use the shower to reduce water wastage as well as time taken for the activity. Keep the thermostat of your heater to 120 F and install low-flow faucets and shower heads in your bathrooms. Leakages and dripping must be promptly repaired.
  • You should make use of natural lighting techniques by using sun roofs and shades. You can also use solar heaters to warm up water for domestic usage.
  • Heating and cooling in the house needs to be optimally regulated. This can be done through an automated thermostat. Devices used for heating and cooling the home emit carbon dioxide and harm the atmosphere. You can cut down on their usage by installing a digital programmable thermostat that enhances energy efficiency.

These are a few measures for keeping your home eco-friendly. Many new techniques and methods of saving energy at home have been introduced in the market. Keep an eye on such products to conserve maximum energy and save money as well.

We at Dustin Dewald Custom Homes build energy efficient custom homes in Central Texas. To know more energy saving tips for your home, feel free to contact us.

Killeen Home Builders - Central Texas Custom Home Builders

FINE DETAILS ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENT CUSTOM HOMES

Monday, April 19th, 2010

A fast-emerging concept involves building of green or energy efficient custom homes. It is a practical option as well as crucial for preserving the earth’s resources. The environment is suffering from the impact of excessive energy consumption. Hence, energy efficient custom homes can help in reducing such consumption and saving the natural resources, besides cutting on costs for the home owner.

In the United States, it is a dream come true to have a house of your own. Recently, the government has devised a home rating program for custom homes built for energy efficiency. This helps customers in learning how to protect the environment and saving money. On the whole, the system measures and ranks the efficiency of a home on the basis of energy utilization.

Custom home builders are also recognizing energy efficient practices and products as a good way of cost-effective construction as well as saving the planet. For home-shoppers, this provides an opportunity to make an informed decision about the return on their investment in a property.

Energy efficient or green builders like Dustin Dewald Custom Homes use various techniques to conserve the resources while making custom homes. A lot of them will prescribe to ENERGY STAR standards for building energy efficient custom homes. This is a joint program that aims to save money and promote environmental safety through use of energy efficient methods and products.

Homes built in accordance with ENERGY STAR standards have proper insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, high performance lighting, appliances, duct systems and windows. Moreover, the standards include indoor air quality, moisture control, ventilation and filtration to remove pollutants and maintain high air quality.

Along with energy conservation, custom homes also have a great advantage of bearing high resale value. The cost of living is lower while the advantages of energy efficiency and comfortable lifestyle are more.

We at Dustin Dewald Custom Homes have expertise in creating Energy Efficient Custom Homes using unique and attractive designs. We serve Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Fort Hood area in Central Texas.

Killeen Home Builders - Central Texas Custom Home Builders