Are Newly Constructed Homes Truly as Energy Efficient as Promised?
At ORB Mechanical and Electrical, we have successfully delivered an impressive range of Mechanical and Electrical services to large scale residential developments. Each residential project is built in a comprehensive, energy efficient and timely manner. With sustainability at the forefront of our industry’s mind, it’s important to acknowledge that newly built homes have many advantages such as M&E installations becoming more highly efficient than ever before.
At ORB, we make sure to work closely with you throughout the entire process. But for now, we want to showcase how important new homes can be beneficial to all with energy efficiency in mind.
Environmental concerns
Residential new builds help reduce carbon emissions in many ways, by implementing energy efficient practices and technologies is crucial for mitigating climate change and meeting environmental targets.
Commitment to energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also ensures that projects comply with building regulations, demonstrating that new homes are built with compliance and quality in mind (some may say anyway).
Additionally, energy efficient homes offer long term cost savings for homeowners, enhancing the value and appeal of developments within the market currently and future residential builds. By prioritising sustainability and combating environmental concerns within construction practices, new homes not only meet clients’ needs but positively contribute to the community, first time buyers and the environment.
Energy Security
By reducing energy consumption in homes, there’s less reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy sources, promoting energy security and independence. This reduces the risk of disruptions in energy supply due to factors such as fluctuations in fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, or natural disasters.
It’s important to promote energy security through building practices, by prioritising energy efficiency in new builds, we contribute to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy sources. This not only enhances energy security for homeowners
New Build Cost Savings for Homeowners
Energy efficient homes typically have lower energy bills, helping homeowners save money in the long run on utility expenses. Several construction installations in new homes contribute to the savings of homeowners, such as:
- Insulation – High quality insulation in walls, floors, and roofs help regulate indoor temperatures reducing the need for heating and cooling. This leads to lower energy consumption and a decrease in utility bills.
- Energy efficient windows and doors – installing windows and doors with energy efficient features such as double or triple glazing and low emissivity coatings help minimise heat loss during colder months and heat gain during warmer months, reducing the workload on heating and cooling systems.
- HVAC systems – The development of new homes should include upgraded HVAC systems, ventilation and heating to significantly reduce energy consumption compared to older models. The new systems often feature advanced technologies such as variable-speed motors, which adjust airflow based on heating and cooling demands, leading to lower energy bills.
- Hot water cylinder – Installing energy efficient water heaters, such as tankless or heat pump water heaters, can help homeowners save money on their utility bills. These systems use less energy to heat water, resulting in lower operating costs over time.
- Smart thermostats – Smart thermostats allow homeowners to control their heating and cooling systems remotely and program them to operate more efficiently. By adjusting temperatures based on occupancy patterns and preferences, smart thermostats can help reduce energy waste and lower heating and cooling costs.
- Air source heat pumps (ASHP) – ASHPs extract heat from the outside air, even in colder temperatures, and use it to heat the home. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on burning fossil fuels, ASHPs utilise renewable energy sources, making them inherently more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Many ASHP systems come with integrated controls and smart thermostat compatibility, allowing homeowners to optimise system performance and energy usage based on their preferences and occupancy patterns.
- LED lighting – New homes come with lighting fixes that include LED bulbs fixed. The bulbs can significantly reduce electricity usage compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. LED bulbs are more durable and have a longer lifespan, further contributing to cost savings for homeowners.
- EV charging – With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, EV charging points in newly built houses help future proof the property. Compliance with building regulations ensures that new properties meet minimum standards for sustainability and energy efficiency when it comes to installing EV charging points on residential properties.
Are New Homes Energy Efficient?
In conclusion, the advantages of prioritising energy efficiency in newly built homes are manifold and extensive. By embracing energy efficient design and technologies, these homes offer significant benefits to both homeowners and society. From reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions to lowering utility bills and enhancing indoor comfort, energy efficient new builds contribute to environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and improved quality of life.
Moreover, they align with regulatory requirements, future proof properties, and increase their market value. By embracing energy efficiency in new residential construction, we not only address pressing environmental challenges but also create healthier, more sustainable communities for current and future generations to thrive.
Contact the ORB Mechanical and Electrical team today if you’ve got a project you would like to discuss with us.
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Call us on 0117 403 7988 or email info@orbelectrical.co.uk to speak to a member of our team – We would love to help!