If you are looking to buy or rent a new home in Texas you may want to consider how the age of the home will impact your electricity bill.
The U.S. Green Building Council has stated that newer homes are more energy efficient than older homes by as much as 30%. The main reason for this is the installation of new technologies and materials in the construction of newer homes. Some of these technologies include better insulation, more efficient windows, and high-performance heating and cooling systems.
Building codes now require more energy efficient building practices
Local building codes are now written to require the incorporation of energy efficient practices into the design and construction of buildings. You may be surprised at how thorough some of these regulations are.
They govern all aspects of the building process down to and including that a certain percentage of the light bulbs installed be of the high efficiency variety.
These codes are continually being updated resulting in more and more implementation of the most energy efficient designs for new builds. Older homes were built during a time when the codes where less stringent. The result is lower electricity usage in new builds compared to that of older homes.
Energy efficient windows lower electricity costs
Newer homes are typically built with modern energy efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows can help you save money on your electricity costs. By sealing off your home from the weather, they keep the warm air in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. This means that you can lower your thermostat settings and still stay comfortable.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Energy-efficient windows can save you up to 30% on your annual energy bill.”
Some of the other benefits of energy-efficient windows include:
– Reducing your carbon footprint
– Increasing the value of your home
– Helping you save money on your energy bills
Newer homes are typically better insulated
The electricity usage in a typical home increases when the insulation is not adequate. This is because the insulation keeps the warm air inside during the winter, and the cool air inside during the summer.
The improved insulation found in newer homes will save electricity and lower energy bills.
More energy efficient appliances are typically found in newer homes
Newer homes often use less electricity because they come with newer high-efficiency appliances. This includes light bulbs that are more energy efficient. It also includes using power strips to prevent electricity spikes when an appliance is turned on or off.
Newer homes usually have better heating and air systems
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature will be your biggest energy need. A high-performance heating and cooling system is one of the best ways to save electricity in a home.
These systems are designed to be very efficient in converting energy into heat or cold. They also use less electricity than a standard heating or cooling system.
Newer homes are also more likely to have mini-split systems, which are growing in popularity because they are so efficient.
They consist of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air-handling units.
The best way to save on electricity is to shop around for a cheaper rate
Of course even in Texas where electricity bills can run high, most people are not going to make their home buying decision based on potential electricity costs. But it is a factor to consider when you calculate the cost of your next home. Regardless of how much electricity your home uses you can always lower your electricity bill by insuring that you’ve chosen the cheapest electricity rate available to you by shopping for the best deals.