When building a new home or remodeling your New Jersey home, consider upgrades that will make your home more energy-efficient. New Jersey has some baseline standards that all new homes must conform to, but going above and beyond is a good idea.

That’s because an energy-efficient home isn’t simply a sustainable choice — it offers many benefits to you, the homeowner, as well. At White Maple Construction, we focus on making New Jersey homes that are comfortable to live in as well as efficient in terms of energy consumption.

Keep reading to learn why choosing energy efficiency is a smart choice, what features help you achieve energy efficiency, and how we recommend incorporating energy efficiency into your project. 

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

ROI & Resale Value 

Energy-efficient features — like new windows — are a boon when your house is on the market. Whether you plan to stay in your home for the long haul or are planning a remodel before you resell, updates that increase energy efficiency are a great way to boost your return on investment when it’s time to sell. 

Lower Utility Costs 

In addition to ROI, an energy-efficient home will have lower heating and cooling costs. Beyond that, efficient electrical appliances and lighting will help save on electricity. If solar interests you, you can save a lot by using the sun to power your home.  

Incentives for Energy-Efficient Homes in NJ 

To incentivize sustainable building in NJ, programs like ENERGY STAR offer rebates or additional cost-savings for homeowners. These programs can help you outfit your home with efficient appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers — enabling you to get top-of-the-line machines at a lower cost. There are also tax credits for green homes in NJ, such as the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which offers up to 30% of your project cost as a credit, depending on the category.

Beyond that, New Jersey’s Residential New Construction Program offers incentives for new homes built to ENERGY STAR or Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) standards, which are usually 15% or better than the building code. Rebates for this program are scaled accordingly to efficiency — the lower your energy use, the more you’ll be rewarded. 

Key Features of Energy-Efficient Builds in New Jersey

There are nearly endless ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, including extremes like passive house design, a voluntary standard that reduces a home’s energy consumption and reduces its carbon footprint. 

For most homeowners, going to great lengths for minimal energy consumption is unrealistic. But these key features can help you make your custom home or remodel more efficient than your current home. 

Building Envelope 

The building envelope refers to the entire exterior of your home — consider it to be everything that envelops your structure. This includes insulation, siding, your roof, and foundation. A building envelope is referred to as “tight” when it’s very efficient — keeping air and water out as well as providing temperature regulation. Quality insulation will help your home maintain its temperature, requiring less heating and cooling throughout the seasons. 

Windows and Doors 

Your windows and doors are technically a part of your home’s envelope. Windows and doors are areas that often “leak” — even if it’s undetectable to you. Windows and doors are weak spots in your home’s insulation that let heat escape. For windows, you can choose new high-performance windows that are designed to reduce thermal transfer. These are often made with triple-pane glass, specialty coatings, and insulated frames. For doors, fiberglass or insulated wood are both aesthetic and efficient options. You should also ensure the seals around your windows and doors are tight. Letting air in or out can make your home much less efficient. 

Heating and Cooling 

Not all heating systems offer equal value. Heat pumps are one of the more efficient ways to heat a home. You can plan for a specific system during your build or remodel. In addition, a smart thermostat can help control your HVAC system so you can optimize its use based on your activity. 

LED Lighting 

There’s a reason LED bulbs have become the new standard — they use 90% less energy and are safer than traditional light bulbs. Your home build will likely already be planning to use LED-friendly fixtures and lighting for the design, but you can also retrofit your favorite lamps or pendants to make them more energy-efficient! 

Appliances 

Finally, the appliances you use can make a massive impact on the energy efficiency of your home. ENERGY STAR certifies appliances that use less water and energy. These appliances are often incentivized with rebates and installation programs. Ask your builder about the best appliances that qualify.   

How to Incorporate Energy Efficiency into Your Build 

While you can replace appliances and set up a smart thermostat, to get a truly efficient, sustainable home during your custom build or remodel, work with an expert to incorporate sustainability in every step.

At White Maple Construction, we can help you audit your home’s energy performance to make recommendations for an energy-efficient future home. We also encourage all our clients to make energy-efficient choices for their appliances and lighting, and we can help you choose the best options that will meet your goals, align with your style, and save money.  

In addition, we can make the construction process itself sustainable. Whether it’s helping you select and source sustainable materials, coordinating the recycling or re-use of salvageable materials, or diverting construction waste from your site, we can make our building process green as well. 

To learn more about a sustainable, energy-efficient NJ home, view our work and get in touch with us today.