8 Ways to Make Your Home More Efficient and Lower Your HERS Score
Energy efficiency in your home means using less energy to achieve the same level of comfort. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index measures just how efficient your home is at using energy; the lower the score, the more energy-efficient your home is and the lower your utility bills are likely to be. You can make your home more energy efficient and achieve a lower HERS score with features like low-E windows, proper insulation, tankless water heaters, LED lights, occupancy sensors, radiant barrier decking, and smart thermostats, as well as renewable energy options like solar panels.
Increasing your home’s energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint — it’s about saving money, too. With rising energy costs, creating a more efficient home can help lower your monthly bills significantly and improve your overall comfort. That’s why Home Creations goes above and beyond to build homes that maximize energy savings without compromising quality or style.
From advanced technologies to smart construction practices, Home Creations knows what it takes to build beautiful, energy-efficient homes that save you money. After more than 40 years and 17,000 homes throughout communities in Oklahoma and Texas, Home Creations continues to evolve with building strategies and techniques that integrate the latest technology and innovations in home efficiency. We design every one of our homes to be beautiful, efficient, and affordable while exceeding almost every regulatory standard, and it’s what’s made us one of the most trusted names in homebuilding.
Understanding the HERS Rating
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard for measuring a home's energy performance. The HERS rating is like a report card for your home’s energy performance, measuring how efficiently your home uses energy as compared to a standard new home, and it is an important factor in making homes more efficient.
The HERS is used to calculate a home’s HERS score. A lower HERS score means your home is more energy-efficient — and that translates into lower utility bills. For example, a home with a HERS score of 60 uses 40% less energy than a standard home with a score of 100. That translates to real savings, month after month.
8 Ways for Your Home to Have a Low HERS Score
At Home Creations, we build homes with energy efficiency in mind. All of our new homes are assessed by a certified Home Energy Rater and consistently achieve average HERS scores of 46-52, outperforming many standard homes on the market.
Here’s how we make our homes so energy-efficient.
1. Low-E Windows: Letting in Light without Letting in UV Rays or Losing Control (of Your Indoor Temperature)
It’s important to have plenty of natural light in a home. But too much sunlight streaming through the windows can cause indoor temperatures to rise, resulting in higher cooling costs. That’s where low-E windows come in. These windows have a special coating which reflects UV rays while still allowing light to shine through. Argon gas between the double panes prevents heat loss or gain, keeping temperatures in the home steady.
The low-E thermalpane vinyl windows installed by Home Creations block out the harsh rays while keeping everything bright and inviting. With low-E windows, you can enjoy the view without sweating over your energy bills.
2. Tankless Water Heaters: Hot Water on Demand
Heating water is one of the largest energy expenses in any home and accounts for about 18% of your energy use. Traditional water heaters store large amounts of water in tanks and then must use energy around the clock to heat and maintain the hot temperature. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water only when you need it.
This on-demand system provides nearly endless hot water and uses significantly less energy — between 8% and 34% less than a conventional storage tank water heater. It’s a win-win — fewer energy costs with more luxurious showers.
3. Proper Attic Insulation: A Barrier Against Energy Loss
Your attic plays a critical role in your home’s energy efficiency by helping regulate its interior temperature. Insulation keeps your home’s warm or cool air from escaping while keeping the outside air from coming in so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work so hard. Think of insulation as a cozy blanket that wraps your home in year-round comfort; without proper insulation, you’re essentially throwing money out the window. (Or in this case, through the roof.)
Home Creations ensures every attic exceeds the R-value of 30, a standard set by Oklahoma code. We use R-44 attic insulation to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
4. Radiant Barrier Decking: Reflecting Heat Before it Enters
Summers in Oklahoma and Texas can be brutal, with the sun beating down relentlessly on rooftops. Radiant barrier decking is a simple yet effective way to help your home stay comfortable and save energy. Radiant barrier decking reflects heat away from your home before it can sneak inside, keeping your home cooler in the summer and keeping your air conditioner from working overtime.
5. LED Lights: Bright Ideas for Savings
Switching to LED lighting is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs, and Home Creations makes it effortless by including LED lights in every home. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, so you’ll spend less time changing bulbs and more time enjoying your beautifully lit space — all while saving on your electric bill!
6. Efficient HVAC Systems: Staying Comfortable Year-Round
Heating and cooling account for a significant chunk of your energy bill, which is why an efficient HVAC system is a must. Home Creations installs systems designed to maintain consistent indoor temperatures while using minimal energy. By properly sizing your system and using advanced technology that is 96% efficient and reduces waste, your home can stay comfortable through every scorching summer day or chilly winter night without the hefty electricity bills.
7. Smart Thermostats: Easy Temperature Management
Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences and adjust settings accordingly, allowing you to walk into the perfect temperature at home without doing a thing. These devices also allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely. Forgot to turn down the heat before leaving the house? No problem — just adjust it from your phone for convenience and savings rolled into one.
8. Occupancy Sensors: Smart Lighting Control
We’ve all left a light on in an empty room; it happens. But with occupancy sensors like those installed by Home Creations, you don’t have to worry–they automatically turn lights on when someone enters a room and off when they leave. This feature is especially handy in spaces like hallways, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, where lights often get left on. Small changes like this add up to significant savings over time.
Experience Additional Energy Savings with Solar Panels
Depending on your unique situation and energy requirements, solar panels may also provide added energy efficiency for your home. All new construction homes from Home Creations offer solar-ready features, wired and ready to partner with Oklahoma City-based solar company EightTwenty. By making it more affordable and accessible for homeowners to incorporate solar panels into their home, Home Creations gives you more opportunities to lower your home’s HERS score to the teens, increase its energy efficiency, and potentially eliminate your monthly utility expenses.
Energy Efficiency in Your Home Starts with Home Creations
At Home Creations, energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the foundation for every home we build. From low-E windows to smart thermostats, we build homes with energy-efficient features that work together to make your home overall more efficient, helping you save money and stay comfortable.
If you’re ready to enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space, make an appointment to visit a Home Creations model home today. Let us help you find the perfect home. One that saves you money, supports a sustainable environment, and provides unmatched quality.
