While everyday decisions like closing the blinds or turning on ceiling fans can help you keep your house cool during the summer, your home’s energy efficiency largely depends on decisions made during construction. Here are some key construction decisions that will help you keep your home cool without spending a fortune on air conditioning.
Insulation and Windows
Walls and windows are a major source of heat gain during the summer. Our homes come standard with R15 or R20 wall insulation, with an optional spray foam upgrade. Our Capstone Signature triple pane vinyl windows with double low-E with argon insulation offer far superior insulation over single or double-pane windows, while also reducing outside noise.
Quality Air Conditioner
Your HVAC gets a lot of use in the summer. A high-quality system will use less energy and provide more efficient cooling, helping you stay comfortable and spend less. That’s why our standard options include a CARRIER high efficiency forced air furnace with 96% efficiency rating and 14 SEER air conditioner.
Positioning on Your Lot
Whenever possible, it is best to have the home oriented on your lot so that most of the windows face south instead of east or west. This is because most sunlight enters the home through east and west-facing windows during the summer. Depending on local conditions and your lot configuration, you could also position your home to take advantage of summer breezes for natural cooling.
At Capstone Custom Homes, we work with you to come up with the solutions that will keep your home comfortable all year long. Contact us today to learn more about our energy-efficient building solutions!