For many 21st century homeowners, energy efficiency is a top priority. But building (and buying) an energy-efficient home can be confusing—so Riverside Homebuilders made it easy. In addition to helping the environment, we are committed to helping you save money in the long run with standard techniques and technologies incorporated into every single home we build, including: 

• Full-foam encapsulation of exterior walls and underside of roof decking
• Added air sealing of house envelope to include integrity gasket, caulk and poly seal
• Programmable thermostats to accurately control the temperature, reducing wasted cooling and heating capacity
• 14 SEER heat pumps with variable speed air handler and mechanical fresh air damper in foam encapsulated homes (Upgraded SEER rating in certain communities)
• And more. 

Besides the included features, there are a few extra steps you can take once you buy a Riverside home to save money and your community from the start.

Unplug what’s unused 

Phantom power, or the energy used by appliances and electronics when they are not in use but still plugged in, can cost the average U.S. household an extra $100 per year on their electric bills. Unplugging phone, tablet, laptop and smart watch chargers is an easy first step to a more energy-efficient home. Next, focus on small kitchen appliances like coffee makers, toasters and air fryers. In the bathroom, ensure hairdryers, curling irons and plug-in mirrors aren’t sucking up extra energy during the day. By making these small adjustments in your home, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Adjust temperature settings 

Your thermostat isn’t the only place to adjust temperature settings. You can tweak the temps of many appliances in your home, including refrigerators, freezers and water heaters. Riverside homes use Energy Star-compliant appliances, helping you save energy without much effort. Keeping your refrigerator set to the standard “energy-saving level” will keep food just as fresh without unnecessary energy usage. Water heaters set to a maximum of 120° - not the commonly-advertised 140° - will still allow for quality performance of dishwashers and washing machines. 

Keep vents clean 

When your vents are dirty, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder. DIY or professional duct cleaning can increase the lifespan of your HVAC systems and reduce your energy consumption by 25 to 40%. Clean vents also improve air quality, making your home a healthier place for you and your family to live. 

While there’s plenty of steps homeowners can take to reduce their carbon footprint, Riverside Homebuilders is dedicated to making the process easier for you. By making energy efficiency a requirement, not just an added bonus, we can ensure you’re getting the most out of your home and money. Contact us today to learn more about our energy-saving homes.