Tips For Building An Energy-Efficient Custom Home In Kansas City
Building an energy-efficient home in Kansas City does not need to be complicated. With the right planning and choices, it can be a straightforward process that saves money in the long run and reduces your environmental impact. As energy costs continue to rise, the need for homes that use less energy has never been more urgent.
Energy-efficient homes are designed to minimize energy use, from better insulation to advanced heating and cooling systems. The good news is that you do not need to sacrifice style or comfort to achieve energy savings. With a focus on the right materials, technologies, and designs, you can have both a beautiful and sustainable home.
This guide will walk you through the steps to take when building an energy-efficient custom home in Kansas City.
Plan the Right Location and Site Orientation
A key factor in building an energy-efficient home is its orientation and placement on the lot. Kansas City’s weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters. For this reason, taking advantage of natural elements such as sunlight and wind will help regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.
The position of your home should maximize passive solar heating during the winter months, with large windows facing south to allow sunlight to naturally heat the interior.
In the summer, you want to minimize sun exposure, especially in the afternoon when temperatures peak. Properly shaded windows or using exterior shading devices like awnings or pergolas can help.
It is also important to consider the wind patterns on your property. In Kansas City, the winds tend to come from the northwest in winter and the southeast in summer. With this in mind, you can position your home to take advantage of natural ventilation and minimize the need for air conditioning during hotter months.
Insulate for Maximum Energy Efficiency
Insulation is one of the most important components of an energy-efficient home. Proper insulation keeps heat inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer. This will help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.
When building your custom home in Kansas City, focus on high-quality insulation materials. For example, spray foam insulation creates an airtight seal that minimizes heat loss.
Additionally, consider insulation for floors, walls, and ceilings to keep the temperature regulated throughout the year. For attics, using blown-in insulation can be highly effective in reducing energy loss.
Another option to consider is insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for exterior walls. ICFs share an excellent thermal barrier and are known for their durability. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term energy savings will quickly offset this investment.
Select Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are common culprits for energy loss in many homes. Older models, or even poorly installed new ones, can let heat escape, let in cold air, and make your HVAC system work harder.
When building an energy-efficient home in Kansas City, choose windows with a high energy performance rating. Double or triple-glazed windows help to keep temperatures stable indoors.
Additionally, look for windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These coatings allow sunlight to enter while blocking heat from escaping in the winter and keeping unwanted heat out in the summer.
For doors, opt for solid wood or fiberglass doors with proper weather stripping. These materials are more efficient than hollow core doors, which tend to let air pass through. Sliding glass doors are another option that, if properly sealed, can contribute to energy savings.
Focus on HVAC Efficiency
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system accounts for a large portion of a home's energy consumption. An energy-efficient HVAC system can significantly lower your energy bills.
Start by selecting a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner. Look for units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioning and a high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for heating. These ratings indicate how well the system converts energy into heating or cooling, with higher numbers representing greater efficiency.
Zoned heating and cooling systems are another option. These systems allow you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. For example, you can keep the bedrooms cooler at night while keeping the living areas at a comfortable temperature. This reduces the need to heat or cool the entire house, saving you money and energy.
In addition to selecting efficient HVAC systems, make sure to properly maintain them. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and servicing ducts, makes sure that your system operates at peak performance.
Incorporate Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Lighting and appliances are two of the easiest areas to upgrade in terms of energy efficiency. By replacing older, inefficient models with Energy Star-rated products, you can reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
For lighting, opt for LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use far less energy and last much longer. Furthermore, installing motion sensors or dimmer switches in certain areas can help reduce the amount of energy used when lighting is not needed.
When selecting appliances for your new home, look for Energy Star-rated models. These appliances meet strict energy efficiency standards and consume less electricity than traditional appliances. Key areas to focus on include your refrigerator, washer and dryer, and dishwasher.
Consider Renewable Energy Sources
Incorporating renewable energy sources into your custom home’s design can dramatically reduce your reliance on traditional energy grids. Solar power is one of the most popular renewable energy options for homeowners, especially in areas like Kansas City, where the sun shines often.
Installing solar panels on your roof can generate electricity for your home and reduce your overall energy consumption. While the initial investment may be significant, tax incentives and energy savings will offset this cost over time. In addition, you may want to consider installing a solar water heater to reduce the amount of electricity needed to heat water in your home.
Another renewable energy option to consider is wind power. Kansas City’s location and weather conditions are well-suited for wind turbines. While installing a turbine may be more complex and costly than solar panels, it can bring a consistent source of renewable energy if you have the space.
Utilize Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology plays a notable role in improving energy efficiency by automating and controlling systems such as lighting, heating, cooling, and security. With the right technology, you can monitor and adjust your home's energy use remotely, optimizing systems based on your schedule and preferences.
Smart thermostats, for example, let you create temperature schedules so your HVAC system operates only when necessary. This reduces energy waste while you are away from home or sleeping. Some smart thermostats even learn your behavior and adjust settings automatically for maximum energy savings.
Smart lighting systems also help reduce energy consumption by adjusting the brightness or turning off lights when not in use. You can control the lighting remotely, so no lights are left on unnecessarily.
Additionally, smart plugs and outlets let you control appliances, such as your water heater or washing machine, to make sure that they are only in use when necessary.
Choose Sustainable Building Materials
The materials you choose for your custom home can have a notable impact on its energy efficiency. Sustainable building materials are those that have a lower environmental impact and are better for the long-term energy performance of the home.
Start by selecting materials with good thermal mass. Materials such as concrete, brick, and stone store and release heat, which can help regulate temperature fluctuations inside the home. These materials can reduce the need for heating and cooling – ideal for energy-efficient homes.
Additionally, opt for sustainable wood products like bamboo, which grows quickly and is highly renewable. Recycled steel and glass are also excellent choices that contribute to a sustainable building environment.
Focus on Water Efficiency
Energy-efficient homes go beyond electricity and heating. Water efficiency is another crucial factor that affects both energy usage and overall utility expenses. Since water heating consumes a large portion of household energy, cutting back on water use can lead to substantial reductions in energy costs.
Install low-flow fixtures in your bathrooms and kitchen to cut down on water consumption. Low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets minimize water use while maintaining full performance. You can also consider a tankless water heater, which heats water only when needed, reducing the energy wasted by storing hot water in a conventional tank.
Rainwater harvesting systems are another option to consider. These systems collect and store rainwater for non-potable use, such as irrigation. This can reduce the amount of water you draw from municipal sources and help lower your water bills.
Start Your Journey Toward a Sustainable Home Today
Building an energy-efficient custom home in Kansas City requires careful planning, smart decisions, and the right technologies.
At Back 9 Development, we focus on creating high-performance homes that prioritize energy savings, sustainability, and comfort. From selecting the right materials to incorporating smart home features, we help your home meet the latest standards in energy efficiency.
Leading the way is David Woods, Passive Home Certified, bringing specialized expertise in advanced building science and sustainable design. This certification ensures that every home we build is optimized for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term durability—giving our clients a healthier living environment and reduced energy costs for years to come.
With our proven experience and dedication to sustainable building practices, Back 9 Development is here to make your vision of a smarter, greener home a reality.
Ready to start your own custom home construction? Contact us today and let us help you design and build an energy-efficient home that fits your vision and budget.
For more information on our realty services, reach out to us!
