Ask unconventional questions.
Step 7
The first is, “What did you do beyond the building code to make this home healthy?” You want to hear that the builder used materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Next, ask for an estimated energy bill so you can see the financial impact. You can also inquire about the builder’s awards and certifications.
“Find out if they’re recognized by third-party building science organizations,” Stahl says, such as the National Association of Home Builders. “And they should exceed ENERGY STAR®’s National Version 3 standards. A good builder will brag about it, and a not-so-good one will hope you don’t ask.”Study the HVAC return.
Step 6
If allergies are a concern, locate the HVAC return to check the home's air filtration equipment. A high-quality air filter, like the MERV 13 that comes standard in all Meritage homes, is critical for reducing bacteria, pet dander, dust, and even some viral particles in the home’s air.
Don’t stop there, though — there might be more filtration equipment in place. Unlike some other homes, Meritage homes have a fresh air management filtration system, which is separate from the furnace filter, and they’re sealed to keep pollen and pollutants out while allowing fresh air in.
Find the air conditioning unit.
Step 5
Notice the size, because there's often a direct correlation: the bigger the air conditioner, the worse the interior insulation tends to be. “If there are big – or multiple – boxes, the house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate,” Stahl says.
Additionally, you should ask whether the unit is single-speed or multispeed. A multispeed HVAC system like Meritage installs in every new home is designed to automatically shift gears to run at the right speed to maintain a comfy temperature and save you on energy costs.
Feel the difference with the new, highly-efficient, multispeed HVAC systems.
Step 4
In new communities and homes, look for the highly-efficient multispeed Carrier® HVAC systems. A multispeed system typically has at least two speeds and is designed to run at a lower or higher setting to adjust the temperature, helping homeowners save energy and money. For a better picture, imagine you’re driving a vehicle and you floor the accelerator. You’re asking the engine to run at full speed. It’s loud, every part of the engine is moving at full capacity and you’re using more gas. That’s similar to how a single-speed HVAC system functions. The thermostat calls for heating or cooling and the system kicks on — at full speed.
Listen for outside noise.
Smart-Buy Tip 3
If it’s quiet outside, blast music on your phone, leave it outside and then close the door. Evaluate how much noise you can hear. This isn’t just a noise test; it also reveals how air moves in and out of the house. Noise, after all, is transported through the air.
“If the sound doesn’t change much, run out of the house,” Stahl says. “Air can leak in and out easily, bringing with it pollen, dust, humidity, bugs.” But if it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation and windows — and is a healthier home in general. Especially for those who have allergies.
Touch the windows.
Smart-Buy Tip 2
Put your hand against the sunniest one in the house. A cool window indicates that it’s higher quality, so it won’t let in heat or furniture-fading UV rays. “There are two main elements to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and reflectance, which determines the amount of UV rays a window lets in,” Stahl explains. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements. If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.”
Check the temperature.
Smart-Buy Tip 1
If it changes when you’re wandering around the house — like in many older homes — the house isn’t well insulated, Stahl says. Plus, you could be spending about 50% more on heating and cooling. If the temperature is the same in all directions and between floors, it will be more comfortable year-round. “A better-insulated home will also be more durable because it brings in less humidity that can degrade the structure of the house,” Stahl says.
Energy Efficiency
Simple tips to save money on energy bills
Many of us are working from home or just spending time at home, which means we use more lights, electronics and appliances, as well as the heater or air conditioner. This could increase your energy use and can cost you more money.
Of course, if you own a Meritage home, you already have energy-efficient features that help cut down on electrical use and save you money, such as UV-blocking windows, that deflect heat and UV rays, spray foam insulation that reduces the loss of conditioned air and sealed insulated ducts that boost the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
But if you want to save even more energy and help reduce your energy bills, there are additional steps you can take, according to Jill Hanks, spokesperson for Arizona Public Service (APS), which serves 1.3 million customers in 11 counties.
Save on Energy Bills
“Buy a smart power strip that shuts down office equipment like computers that go into sleep mode.”
Electronics
Many of us are spending a lot more time on our computers at home these days, logging in to video conferences or working remotely. And with kids being at home too, the television might be on more often. “The good news is using things more often while working at home, like your computer and television, aren’t large drivers of your electricity bills,” says Hanks. However, you should still try to unplug your laptop, computer and other electronics when you’re done for the day because they still use some energy, even when they’re off or in sleep mode.
Lights
Working from home means you’re likely using your lights more than usual. Hanks suggests switching to LED light bulbs. They last up to 15 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use 90% less energy. They also emit approximately 90% less heat, which helps save on overall costs. And the best way to save on lighting costs is as simple as flicking a switch. “Of course, when you’re not using something, turn it off,” says Hanks. “And remind the kids to do that as well.”
Thermostat and fans
When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. Consider wearing a sweater and slippers on colder days. When you go to bed or leave the house, lower your thermostat even more. A smart or programmable thermostat allows you to set it and forget it, automatically adjusting heating and cooling settings to save money year-round. Check your utility’s website to see if you qualify for smart thermostat rebates, such as the one from APS.
Reverse your ceiling fans in the winter. Run them clockwise to draw room air up and blow warm air down. “And remember, fans make people feel warmer or cooler but they don’t actually heat or cool rooms. So when you leave the room, turn the fan off.”
Open blinds and curtains during the day to let in the sunshine and close them at night to trap the heat.
Time-of-use pricing
If you're spending more time at home, you may be running the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer during the day. Check if your utility company has different pricing for peak and off-peak hours. Some do, and it’s best to take advantage of that because in exchange for higher peak prices, all the rest of the time power is usually cheaper than it is on flat-rate plans. For instance, if peak hours are from 3-8 p.m., run your appliances before or after to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
Also, consider investing in a water heater controller to heat water during off-peak hours and store it like a battery.
More tips
There are other things you can do that will, in the end, save you on energy costs.
1. Schedule a heating system tune-up
2. Winterize by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows – anywhere outside air might enter.
3. Schedule a free Virtual Energy Checkup – many utility companies, such as APS, have energy efficiency advisors who will walk customers through a personalized virtual tour of their own homes giving tips on how and where to save energy and money.
4. Create an online home energy profile – Some utility companies offer customers an online survey to see how efficient their home is as well as get potential savings estimates and energy savings recommendations that make sense for their lifestyle.
For more tips, click here.
Energy Efficient Home Design
See how energy efficiency is built into your entire home and each room to provide more savings, better health, real comfort and more peace of mind.
From time to time, Meritage Homes makes available articles and information that it believes may be of intertest to the reader. Any information contained in these articles has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed and Meritage Homes disclaims any responsibility for such information. The views of the respective authors or persons quoted in such articles, whether or not specific attribution is made herein, are those of such person(s) and do not necessarily represent those of Meritage Homes, which accepts no responsibility for such views. The mention of specific products and/or services in any article does not constitute an endorsement or approval of such products and/or services by Meritage Homes, and such products and/or services may not be available with respect to every, or any, Meritage home. Visit http://www.meritagehomes.com/featuredescriptions for information and disclaimers about energy-efficient features and associated claims pertaining to Meritage homes. All material in these articles is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright holder. Meritage Homes®, Life. Built. Better.®, and Setting the standard for energy-efficient homes® are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2021 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights are reserved. Multispeed HVAC System available on select homes commencing April 1, 2021. Features included in any home are limited in all events to the specific terms set forth in the purchase contract for such home.