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Homes For LIFE: Year-Round Comfort in an Energy-Efficient Home

August 2, 2019

There’s so much to love about Washington, but summer temperatures can get hot… If you’ve ever lowered the thermostat in your home to keep cool, you know what it’s like to feel relief at the expense of your wallet. So, what can you do when you want to be comfortable inside your home, but you also want an affordable utility bill? As part of our Homes For LIFE promise (livability, innovation, financially smart, energy efficient!) to every New Tradition homeowner, each beautiful home is built to a higher level with sustainable building practices and have earned ENERGY STAR certifications to guarantee they are at least 15% more efficient than a home that is only built to code! Our homes not only respect the environment, but save you money in the process! A healthier home makes a slimmer utility bill! As the Northwest’s leader in energy-efficient homes, with each one certified ENERGY STAR® and Built Green WA®, we believe you shouldn’t just love where you live, you should love how you live — so we ensure that your New Tradition home is built to the absolute best standards, always.   How To Make Home More Energy Efficient Even if you already live in one of our energy-efficient homes, there are several actions you can personally take to save as much money as possible while keeping you and your family comfortable. Check out these tips for staying cool during Washington’s hot summer months:

• Natural Ventilation: Open your windows and turn off your AC before you go to sleep at night, then shut the windows and blinds in the morning to capture the cool air!
• Thermostat Efficiency: A small difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures means a lower cooling bill, so try to set your thermostat as high as possible while staying cool, and keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away.
• Cook Strategically: Early to mid-morning is when the day is at its coolest so if you know you’ve got a meal to cook, do it then. Opt for hearty summer salads, cold soups, rice bowls, and other dishes a few nights a week to take the heat out of the kitchen. Better yet, cook outside to prepare healthy, delicious meals al fresco!
• Fans and Ventilation Strategies: Did you know that a ceiling fan will allow you to set your thermostat 4 degrees higher without losing comfort? Just remember to turn any fan off when you leave the room.
• Avoid Unwanted Heat: On very hot days, even devices like curling irons and hair dryers will add a little bit of heat to your home, so try to avoid “hot” appliances.

  At New Tradition Homes, we believe that home is the happiest place in the world. While we build the place where you and your family will spend your days and make your greatest memories, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that we’re using the highest-quality materials and practices possible. If you’re ready to make the move to an energy-efficient home in Washington that loves you right back, all of us can’t wait to meet you! For more information on our sustainable homes across Washington, please call 360-448-4710.