6 Key Features of an Energy-Efficient Home
DeLuca Homes has been dedicated to building the best quality homes for over 50 years. During that time there have been many changes in the way homes are built and designed. We’ve always focused on what’s best for our customers and adapt our designs and techniques to fit today’s lifestyles. That includes energy-efficient features that not only save you money while being kind to the environment, they ensure that the memories you make in your home are enjoyable in every way. At DeLuca Homes, we’re proud to build energy-efficient homes in Bucks County and Montgomery County. Take a look at a few of the energy-smart features you’ll find in a new DeLuca home.
How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat makes a big impact on your home. You can save money on energy bills because it adjusts to your preferences to use less energy, even while you’re away from home. The programmable thermostat keeps temperatures consistent and runs at a constant level for your comfort year-round. No more feeling hot or cold spots throughout your home! However, if you have multiple climate zones in your home, you can customize each area with the thermostat. Programmable thermostats will also save you time since you can set it and forget and they reduce the workload on your HVAC system to keep it running longer (another money-saving benefit!)
Low-E Glass with Screens
Low-E glass stands for low emissivity. The coating on low-E glass windows blocks UV light and reflects heat while also reducing heat loss. Like the programmable thermostat, it saves you money on energy bills and keeps your home comfortable throughout the year. It acts as an insulator in the winter keeping the heat in and reflects heat in the summer to keep your home cool. Low-E glass windows with screens provide the extra benefit of reducing fading on hardwood floors and curtains. Get amazing natural light and protection in one.
Energy-Smart Furnace
At DeLuca Homes, we use the Lennox® Gas Furnace 95% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) Single System to make cozying up in the winter as comfortable as possible. A high-performance and efficient furnace is a wonderful way to have an energy-efficient house and optimal warmth during the winter months. Energy-smart furnaces include many benefits like cutting down on energy use, reducing electrical costs and reducing your overall carbon footprint. They’re designed to last a long time with motors that reduce electrical demand and computer boards with high-level self-diagnostic and two-stage heating. The benefits to you, your home, and the environment are tremendous.
Insulation
When talking about insulation, you’ll often hear the term R-value. But what does that mean? The R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance. It’s the ability to prevent the transfer of heat, so the higher the number the greater the insulating power. DeLuca Homes uses 2×6 framing to build your home, which allows for a higher insulation R-Value of R-21 in all above-grade walls. Our “blown-in” attic insulation has a value of R-38 for a continuous layer of insulation above the trusses. We use high R-Value insulation to decrease heating and cooling costs, and increase comfort for you and your family.
Air Sealing
A cost-effective way to make sure no air leaks in and out of your home is by using air sealing. Though you may be able to reduce air leakage yourself through caulking and weather stripping, it’s best to lean on a professional as some sealing materials are better for certain areas than others. In a DeLuca home, all ambient walls are built with a six-sided air barrier to prevent air leakage, and all penetrations to unconditioned space are sealed with caulk or foam. We also use a third party to conduct a blower door test and ensure our homes meet respective energy code requirements. Air sealing reduces heat loss and drafts throughout the home to help decrease heating costs and keep your home comfortable.
Light Fixtures
When thinking about how to make your home more energy-efficient, don’t forget the light fixtures. DeLuca Homes uses LED bulbs that are also verified by a third party through a HERS (Home Energy Rating System). LED light fixtures are highly energy efficient and can use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. They come in a range of options and colors, they don’t need reflectors or diffusers, and they emit very little heat. You can feel good about decreasing the energy use in your home and still have plenty of light throughout.
New Homes in Bucks County & Montgomery County Are Available Today!
Each DeLuca home is packed with value in addition to energy-efficient features. We design homes with elegant architecture and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship while always considering your needs and wants. You can rest assured you’ll find a home with thoughtful details and features that make every day a treat. Plus, when you build with us, you’ll have multiple ways to personalize your home and enjoy a seamless building process where we work with you every step of the way.
You can find our high-quality and energy-efficient homes for sale in Bucks County and Montgomery County. The Reserve at Manor Lane is our private townhome community in Yardley, PA. This intimate community is set into lush greenery and surrounded by beautiful landscaping. You can easily access local shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby or access major highways, including Route 1 and Route 13, to get to everything there is in Bucks County. Spend a day exploring the town and then retreat to a stylish home with an open, airy layout.
Our Yardley Preserve community is also located in the wonderful town of Yardley, PA. It’s a scenic, 55+ community that welcomes you to a carefree lifestyle. Whether you’re commuting to work, visiting friends and family, or simply heading into town, you can always get where you need to go in no time through the nearby major highways. It hosts friendly neighbors that you can meet at the bocce ball courts or pass on the walking trail. You’ll find peace and comfort in the spacious homes full of our modern and stylish features.
These communities include everything you could want from a home and location. They’re low-maintenance with lawn maintenance and snow removal provided for you, so you have more time to enjoy doing what you love. We have several homes available for a quick move-in and equipped with amazing energy-efficient features, modern home designs, and the value DeLuca Homes is known for.
Connect with DeLuca Homes—Your Go-To Home Builder for Energy Efficient Homes
You deserve a home that treats you right. Consider a DeLuca home with energy-efficient features that make every day easier and healthier for you and your family. We’re happy to be your go-to builder for energy-efficient homes. When you’re ready, connect with us online or give us a call, and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.