Energy Usage

Energy efficiency is a crucial component of a sustainable home. There are countless opportunities to make a home more efficient. Elements to look for include heating and cooling, windows, insulation, solar power, appliances, and lighting. 

Heating and Cooling 

• Zoned heating and air-conditioning system: When certain parts of your home are not in use (like a basement reserved for guests), a zoned system will reduce the energy required to condition these spaces. 
• Smart meters: Meters can display real-time energy data for both homeowners and energy suppliers.  
• Energy monitors: Like smart meters, digital energy monitors inside a home can tell homeowners more about their day-to-day consumption habits. 
• Energy-efficient heating measures: There are multiple approaches to reducing the energy required to heat your homes, such as in-floor radiant heating or a geothermal heating system. If the energy usage (and associated costs) of a home you are considering are not readily available, you should get this information from the current homeowner.

Windows

• Window panes: Double or triple-paned windows will stop air from infiltrating your home's interior. Triple-pane windows are typically 50% better at insulating your home than single-pane and 25% better than double-pane. Many older homes only have single-pane windows, which will likely need to be replaced to improve the house's efficiency.
• Low "E" (low-emissivity) windows: This window coating reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer to keep the home's internal temperature consistent.

Insulation

• Insulation types: There are many insulation types to look for, but the most environmentally-friendly ones are considered to be cellulose, cotton (denim), sheep's wool, aerogel, and some types of spray foam.
• Insulation measurements: Currently, homes are required to have between R-13 and R-19 for exterior walls. At a minimum, when shopping for older homes, make sure the home meets these requirements. Ideally, you will want a home that has an even higher R-value.
• Tight thermal envelope: The most critical factor for an energy-efficient home is the thermal envelope. Ensure that your home is adequately sealed with a particular focus on the attic, windows, and doors where heat can be lost the most.

Solar Power

• Solar installation: Of course, a home with existing solar is a significant step towards a sustainable home. Look for homes that have solar already implemented or are well-suited to install solar.
• Solar orientation: Keep in mind that solar can be best optimized when a home is oriented to follow the sun's path. Your local climate plays a significant role in the ideal orientation. The ideal orientation for living areas within a home is between 15 degrees West and 20 degrees East of true North. You'll want to look for a site with no significant obstructions like large trees that could block solar energy. Orientation plays a crucial role in passive solar design.

Water Collection

• Rainwater collection: Look for cisterns and barrels to collect rainwater. Collected rainwater can be used to water gardens as well as in greywater systems to flush toilets.
• Drainage: French drains, combined with sump pumps, can collect and channel water safely away from your home, thus reducing the chances of flood damage.

Water Filtration

• Water filters can be installed to solve a wide variety of water quality issues. Depending on the concern, a consumer can choose between point source or whole house filtration.
• Point-of-entry filtration: If you collect rainwater and want to use it inside your home, a point-of-entry water filter can ensure that the water you use is safe.