Talk to your utilities
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.
Air quality and ventilation in new homes
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
In newer homes, energy-efficient building practices are used to avoid drafts, but these air tight homes can result in uncomfortable air quality and ventilation.
See our Air Quality section for more information.
In this video: An industry expert discusses green technologies that improve air quality in new construction.
More from this category
Energy rater and performance consultant
An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.
Aging in place
New home comfort issues
Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are significantly more airtight than stud walls.
Insulated concrete forms
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Building an energy-smart house
Geodesic domes
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.