There are far more than design advantages when you’re building your dream home. This is an opportunity for you to shape and influence the ongoing comfort and atmosphere in your home from day one.
To help you make the best decisions for energy efficiency, we’ve compiled the following list to help homeowners balance beauty, performance, and efficiency as you plan out your dream home. These key areas are especially important to consider, given the fluctuating temperatures that go hand-in-hand with Ohio’s beautiful four seasons.
Insulation and Air Sealing
Ohio’s climate demands insulation that works both ways: keeping warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. We recommend high-performance insulation such as spray foam or dense-pack cellulose, paired with air sealing around framing joints, outlets, and penetrations. This combination prevents drafts, minimizes energy loss, and ensures even temperatures throughout your home.
Pro tip: An airtight home still needs ventilation. Pairing air sealing with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) keeps your indoor air fresh without losing heat in the winter.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are among the biggest culprits for heat transfer. Energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings can drastically reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Insulated fiberglass or steel entry doors add durability and comfort whether the sun is high or the snow is falling.
Design detail: South-facing windows can capture passive solar warmth in winter months. Overhangs or shades on these windows can prevent overheating in July and August.
Foundation Choices
Your foundation contributes more to efficiency than many realize. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or continuous rigid foam insulation along basement and crawlspace walls help maintain stable indoor temperatures. Proper moisture control and sealing at the sill plate protect against both drafts and dampness—key for Ohio’s humid summers and freeze-thaw winters.
HVAC Systems
Modern HVAC systems are smarter and more efficient than ever. High-efficiency furnaces, variable-speed heat pumps, and zoned systems allow you to fine-tune comfort room by room.
For homeowners interested in reducing fossil fuel use, geothermal heating and cooling systems are an excellent long-term investment—particularly effective in Ohio’s soil conditions. We also recommend pairing your system with a programmable or smart thermostat for adaptive temperature control that learns your habits and reduces waste.
Water Heaters
Hot water accounts for nearly 20% of home energy use. Tankless water heaters or hybrid heat-pump models can dramatically improve efficiency. These systems provide on-demand hot water without storing gallons that constantly need reheating—a huge advantage in colder months when basements stay cool.
Lighting and Appliances
Energy-efficient lighting and appliances are easy wins for homeowners. LED fixtures use up to 75% less energy and last years longer than traditional bulbs. Choosing ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers reduces your electric load while maintaining top performance.
We also recommend adding motion sensors and dimmers in key areas to add convenience while trimming your energy use.
Smart Home Technologies
Smart home technologies allow you to monitor and manage energy use from anywhere. Systems that connect your thermostat, lighting, and even water heater can automatically adjust to occupancy patterns and weather forecasts.
In Ohio, where temperatures can fluctuate 30 degrees in a week, that adaptability pays off quickly.
Implement Smart Building Strategies with Ivan Yoder Builders
When it comes to custom homes, efficiency shouldn’t be an add-on perk—it ought to be the foundation of modern living. We design homes so that every component works together to create a haven that’s quieter, healthier, and more sustainable for generations to come.
Let’s build something together that incorporates thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and efficiency. To get started, Book a Home Design Meeting with our team.
