Designing and Remodeling a Home

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy efficiency. You'll save energy and money in the long run. It's also a good time to invest in a renewable energy system that will provide your home with electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling.

If you'd like to design an energy-efficient home, no matter what type of design, you should use what's called the whole-house systems approach.

If you're remodeling a home, conduct an energy assessment to help you determine what energy efficiency improvements should and can be made to your home.

Learn how to optimize energy efficiency with the following home designs and construction techniques:

 • Advanced House (Wall) Framing Techniques 

    Reduce lumber use and waste—improving energy efficiency—in the construction of a traditional wood-framed house.

• Cool Roofs 

   Reflect more light and absorb less heat from the sun's rays to keep your home cooler.

• Earth-sheltered Homes 

   Incorporate earth into their structure and design for durability and energy efficiency.

• Log Homes 

   Use wooden logs to provide structure and insulation.

• Manufactured Homes 

   Feature energy-efficient options for new homes and improvements for older homes.

• Passive Solar Homes 

   Take advantage of climatic conditions, especially the sun, for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

• Straw Bale Homes 

   Use straw bales to provide all or part of their structure and insulation.

• Ultra-Efficient Homes 

   Use both energy efficiency and renewable energy sources to offset or mitigate a home's energy use

You should also explore your options for financing an energy-efficient home or improvements.