New Homes in Loveland More Energy Efficient Than Older Homes

The miles of trails and open spaces, combined with convenient access to all the amenities that Centerra has to offer, has many people looking for new homes in Loveland, CO, and the beautiful new home and move-in ready options available at The Lakes at Centerra. There are also, however, economic and environmental reasons to support purchasing a new home instead of an older home. One of the top things to consider when looking for homes for sale in Fort Collins or Loveland is energy efficiency.

The energy efficiencies planned and built into new homes by the homebuilders at The Lakes, for example, helps trim monthly utility bills significantly. Even compared to homes built just five years ago, construction today is strategically designed to eliminate things like drafty, energy-wasting single-pane windows. In contrast, many new homes in Loveland today offer double or even triple-pane windows.

One recent analysis from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) found that newer U.S. homes are on average 30 percent larger, however consumes about as much energy as older homes. This analysis is based on the standard Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which pinpoints key factors for energy efficiency to rate homes – both new and old.

The Index uses specialized equipment to determine energy efficient standards like:

• The amount and location of air leaks in the building envelope
• The amount of leakage from HVAC distribution ducts
• The effectiveness of insulation inside walls and ceilings
• Existing or potential combustion safety issues
• Floors over unconditioned spaces (like garages and cellars)
• Attics, foundations and crawlspaces
• Windows and doors; vents and ductworks
• Water heating system and thermostats

Thanks to advances in home technology and building techniques, new homes are found to not only be larger in terms of square footage (on average), but give families extra space without the cost of added utility bills.

If you’re interested in learning more about the energy efficiency techniques used by the skilled new Colorado home builders at The Lakes at Centerra, be sure to visit our website.