Due to the rise in utility costs and scarcity of natural resources, having an energy-efficient residence has become essential for many people. If you’re building a custom home, prioritize the house’s energy efficiency during the design process. Here are a few steps you can take to make your residence as green as possible.

4 Energy Efficiency Measures for Your Custom Home

1. Use Trees

Being in the northern hemisphere, as Hawaii is, the south-west side of your new home will get the most sunlight. When designing your landscaping, plant trees and shrubs in the sunny areas to block harsh rays and reduce indoor heat gain through the windows. With a cooler house, you won’t need AC, in theory. Consider planting  koa, or golden shower trees, which provide an abundance of shade and grow well in tropical areas.

2. Seal Cracks

After your building contractor installs the windows and doors, seal the cracks and gaps around them with weatherstripping or caulk. Small holes allow hot air to leak into your rooms, which can raise the interior temperature. 

3. Choose Light-Colored Roofing

Light hues reflect sunlight better than darker tones because they absorb less heat. This effect will make your home cooler during warm weather. Minimizing heat absorption will help keep your interiors cool.

4. Install Energy-Efficient Products

When shopping for windows and household appliances for your custom home, check their energy efficiency ratings, and compare them between models before purchasing. Choose ENERGY STAR®-certified products to ensure lower energy costs and consumption over their life span.

You can also make room in the budget to install solar panels so that your custom home can harness renewable energy. The panels will reduce your house’s dependence on the transmission grid, lowering your future utility bills.

If you’re designing your dream home and want it to be energy-efficient, seek help from the professionals at Curtis Law Construction in Lihue, HI. Since 1969, these trusted general contractors have helped their Kauai clients design and construct beautiful custom homes, integrating the latest technology in energy efficiency. View a gallery of their past projects online, or call (808) 246-0676 to schedule a consultation.