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Savings in Operating Costs: Building Your Dream Home Save up to 35% in energy bills through optimum orientation on the site. Place deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sun. Design window openings to permit breeze to flow through. Use good quality windows to reduce air infiltration and improve insulation. Choose maintenance-free materials and reduced-maintenance mechanical systems. Reduce cleaning costs with cleaner mechanical systems, reduction of dust-catching surfaces, and use of low maintenance interior finishes. Choose exterior of brick, stucco, vinyl or aluminum siding to reduce painting expense. Use natural light to save lighting cost, for example in bathrooms or master closet. Use fill with high organic content to save on lawn watering costs. Save on hot water by efficient plumbing layout and equipment choices. Save electricity by using efficient light fixtures such as compact fluorescents and halogens. Select higher efficiency HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Lay out multiple furnaces and air conditioners or use zoned system to provide room by room control and save energy. Design wall and attic spaces to accommodate optimum insulation for energy savings.
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Choosing the correct home plan, materials, and lot location can save you money in the operating costs of the house. These decisions will influence the durability and the cost to operate your dream home. The list below gives examples of ways to lower your operating costs.
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