Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are significantly more airtight than stud walls.
Building an energy-smart house
Considering energy efficiency is critical to the comfort and performance of your new house.
Nick and Justine
In this video: Meet a family who built their home to save money and help the environment. They included insulation on the outside of the home and bathroom fans with timers. Dual zone heating and cooling allows them to heat or cool only certain areas of their home, so they stay comfortable while saving energy. The new furnace and air conditioning unit are energy efficient and quiet. In order to ensure that a new home is built efficiently, always bring in a third-party energy inspector to certify the energy-efficient upgrades.
Final home tour
In this video: In a walkthrough of their finished home, Nick and Justine describe how choosing energy efficient technologies for their new home have improved their lifestyle and energy bills.
New construction energy efficiency
In this video: A home builder talks about his business's process for constructing energy efficient homes.
Lead with lifestyle
In this video: A homeowner shares how allergy concerns, a desire for energy efficiency and a need for better function led to decisions about the construction of their new home.
Under construction
In this video: Tour a home under construction which includes many energy-saving choices, from windows to walls.
It doesn't have to be expensive
In this video: New construction doesn't have to be expensive. Learn how keeping energy efficiency as a priority can make a difference.
More from this category
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an organization that provides simple, sturdy homes. Learn how energy efficiency is a key factor in building these homes.
Energy rater and performance consultant
An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.
Green home construction
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
Trombe wall
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
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.
Modular homes
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
Insulated concrete forms
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Choosing energy-smart products
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.