So you are planning to get a custom interior and exterior design in Cumming, Georgia, and think that you can get any aesthetically pleasing design because all it will contribute to is aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality, right? Wrong; there are several other factors a custom design contributes to besides just the mentioned ones, and each has a different level of impact. Out of all the factors that custom home design contributes to, the factor that tops all others and rivals the aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality factors is energy consumption.
That’s right, your custom design has a massive impact on your home’s energy consumption. Several aesthetically pleasing things contribute to high energy consumption, like windows and the ceiling. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome the problem without sacrificing the aesthetics.
The 7 Energy Culprits in Modern Custom Home Design
You have understood by now that the custom design that a home builder adds contributes massively to energy consumption, but how exactly does it do that? There are more aspects than you think, seven of which are mentioned as follows
- Expansive window walls contribute to more light and heat, contributing to a higher load on the HVAC system.
- High ceilings lead to bigger rooms and, more specifically, bigger volume, contributing to the HVAC system once again.
- Multiple peaks, valleys, and gables on top of your house can be challenging to insulate and ventilate properly, increasing the risk of air leaks at numerous junctions.
- The changed orientation just for aesthetic purposes can significantly impact the amount of heat entering in your home, increasing the load on air conditioners.
- Installing more electric lights and not using natural light during the day can directly increase the electric bill.
- Choosing dark aesthetics in the sunny climate of Cumming, GA, looks cool, but contributes to more heat than other colors.
- Patios and decks made from dark materials like dark pavers, composite materials, or dark-stained wood absorb and radiate significant heat back towards the house, increasing the temperature of close-by interior spaces.
7 Aesthetically Pleasing Ways in Residential Construction to Overcome High Energy Load
The best thing about custom home designs is that not only can you choose the design of your choice, but you can also save energy. Beauty and brains can absolutely coexist in your custom home design, and saving energy doesn’t necessarily mean trading off aesthetics. Without further ado, here is how you should address those energy culprits with stylish and smart solutions:
Balance The Sun-Kissed View With Optimal Performance
You can still enjoy those gorgeous, light-filled rooms without your energy bills skyrocketing by opting for high-quality windows (like those with low-E coatings and argon gas) that drastically cut down on heat transfer. Smart placement of these windows, along with stylish overhangs or awnings designed by your home builder, means you get the views and light you love while keeping unwanted heat out or precious warmth in.
Utilize Volume With Smart Insulation and Airflow
Those impressive high ceilings and spacious open layouts can maintain their sense of grandeur and stay comfortable all year with top-notch insulation that goes beyond basic standards and careful sealing of any air leaks. Adding modern ceiling fans can be particularly helpful in this situation; it helps move air around, making big spaces feel consistently comfortable, and talk to your builder about zoned HVAC systems for pinpoint temperature control. Adding more electrical appliances doesn’t necessarily mean a higher electric bill; they can sometimes be used to save money.
Optimize The Complex Roof for Lasting Efficiency
Unique rooflines with multiple peaks definitely add a lot of character, and you can keep that character without the energy headache by ensuring your builder pays close attention to detail during the residential construction. This means thorough insulation in every single corner of the attic (it’s a must) and a well-designed ventilation system to manage heat and moisture effectively, preserving your home’s beauty and its efficiency.
Work With Nature’s Palette and Combine The Aesthetics
Your home’s design can beautifully complement its natural surroundings and save energy at the same time; these two goals don’t have to fight each other. A good designer, perhaps through custom exterior design services that experts offer, can position your home and its features to take advantage of beneficial winter sunlight while elegantly shielding it from the harsh summer sun, all while achieving the aesthetic you envision.
Design with Daylight and Efficient, Stylish Fixtures
Cut down on your electricity use by designing your home to let in as much natural daylight as possible through clever window placement and even using interior glass features to help light flow. When you do need lights, select beautiful, modern LED fixtures, perhaps chosen with help from the professionals of custom interior design services in Cumming that offer the perfect ambiance while using much less energy, and add smart controls like dimmers for even more savings.
Use Climate-Conscious Exterior Color Choices
You can achieve a stunning exterior look without your home becoming a heat trap by using darker colors more as accents rather than for every wall or the whole roof, especially in our sunny climate of Cumming, GA. Look into innovative “cool roof” materials that come in many shades, even darker ones, but are specifically designed to reflect more of the sun’s heat, helping keep your home cooler.
Select Smart Materials for Patios and Decks
Create beautiful and comfortable outdoor living areas by choosing lighter-colored paving stones or composite decking that won’t absorb as much heat, or by adding more plants around these spaces to help reflect sunlight. Well-designed pergolas, retractable awnings, or even leafy trees strategically planted by your Georgia best home builders can provide essential shade for these outdoor zones and nearby windows, boosting both looks and energy savings.
Design Smart, Live Comfortably, Save Energy
Your custom home is a reflection of your dreams and a significant investment. Instead of just focusing on the aesthetics, focus on custom design elements that enhance the overall looks while also saving up energy costs. Choose an experienced custom home builder (like Georgia Best Home Builders) to optimize the residential construction with high energy savings. Optimizing your home for energy saving doesn’t mean sacrificing the aesthetics of interior with custom interior design services in Cumming, GA, nor does optimizing the aesthetics of yur home’s exterior with custom exterior design services in Georgia mean trading off the energy efficiency.
