Out with the Old: Why Older Homes Are Less Energy Efficient

If you’re trying to lower your electric bill, it might be time to start looking at some energy efficient home plans. Newer homes are far more energy efficient than older homes, and for good reason:

• New homes adhere to new standards. Various government organizations have set new standards for energy efficiency, and newer homes are built according to those standards. Older homes may not have had any energy efficiency standards to consider during the build.
• New homes come with new appliances. The newer the appliance, the more likely it is to be energy efficient. As part of your energy efficient house plans, your new home should automatically come with some of the most advanced electric appliances available.
• Insulation is tighter. For new homes, insulation is a major concern. Newer homes have fewer gaps that leak air and better standards for overall home insulation.
• Windows are better. New homes generally come with highly energy efficient windows pre-installed. Older homes suffer from worn-out windows that leak air.
• Tax incentives exist for additional efforts. If you install a solar panel on a new home or, if your location allows it, a windmill, you can produce your own electricity and save money with tax benefits at the same time! Solar panels and windmills can be added to older homes, but it tends to be less common.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your older home or move to an entirely new house, these features of new homes can help set you on the path toward total energy efficiency. For more energy saving tips, sign up as a new customer with Star Energy Partners, or keep reading our energy savings blog.