Prepare Your Home

There are a lot of decisions to make when you are planning a home remodeling or new home construction project. Ensuring that your new or existing home is energy efficient requires careful planning and attention to details throughout the design and construction process, but the benefits for homeowners and building professionals are significant. By making energy-efficient choices, you can enjoy:

• Reduced energy and maintenance costs
• Increased comfort
• Increased market value
• A healthier and safer indoor environment
• Improved building durability

Your home designer, builder, and contractors benefit from greater customer satisfaction and fewer call-backs thanks to improved comfort, increased home durability, and reduced operating costs, maintenance costs, and noise. They also benefit from increased compliance with building, fire, and energy codes as well as being recognized as professionals who are dedicated to quality.

Successful design and construction professionals follow a whole-house systems approach to improve the energy efficiency of the homes they build and realize the full benefits of various energy-saving measures. A systems approach considers the interaction between the site, building envelope, mechanical systems, occupants, and other factors and recognizes that features of one component in the house can greatly affect other components.

Download our Whole-House Energy Checklist for ideas to start the conversation with your builder or contractor about the energy efficiency considerations that make the most sense for your project. Also, contact your local cooperative to speak with an energy expert about your plans. They would be glad to answer your questions or offer advice.