Cool by Design: Summer-Friendly Features to Beat the Heat in Your New Home
If you’ve lived through a Texas summer (or anywhere with triple-digit temps), you know just how important it is to have a home that stays cool, even when the weather outside is anything but. The good news? You have the power to choose a builder like First America Homes that offers energy-efficient, comfort-boosting features that help you beat the heat and keep your utility bills in check.
Here are some of the top summer-friendly features to look
for when building or buying your new home:
HERS®
Rating: Know How Efficient Your Home Really Is
When you're building or buying a new home, it's helpful to
have a clear picture of how energy-efficient it really is. That’s where a HERS®
(Home Energy Rating System) score comes in. It’s like a
miles-per-gallon rating, but for your home. A lower score means a more
energy-efficient home, which often translates into lower utility bills and a
more comfortable indoor environment year-round. With low HERS scores, First
America Homes are designed to save you money and reduce emissions.
Benefit: Gives you confidence that your
home was built to perform efficiently in extreme heat (and cold) and helps
compare energy costs from one home to another.
Energy-Efficient
Windows
Large windows are great for natural light and beautiful views,
but without the right glass, they can act like magnifying glasses in the
summer. Energy-efficient windows with Low-E
(low-emissivity) coatings reflect heat while still letting in sunlight.
Double-pane construction with insulating gas between the panes also helps
reduce heat transfer.
Benefit: Keeps indoor temperatures cooler
and blocks harmful UV rays that can fade furniture and flooring.
Smart
Thermostats
A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts your
home's temperature automatically for maximum comfort and efficiency. Whether
you’re away at work or winding down for the evening, it ensures you’re never
cooling an empty house, or waking up sweating at 3 a.m. Even better, First
America Homes is offering our Connected
Living Package, which includes a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat, with
all move-in-ready homes at no additional cost until May 31, 2025.
Benefit: Reduces energy waste and keeps
your home cool when and where you need it most.
Light
Paint Colors
Design matters, not just for aesthetics, but for comfort
too. Choosing light-colored paint for your walls and exterior surfaces can make
a big difference in how much heat your home absorbs. Soft whites, pale grays,
and beige tones don’t just look fresh and modern, they reflect sunlight and
help interiors stay cooler.
Benefit: Enhances natural light and reduces
the “heat trap” effect of darker colors.
Ceiling
Fans
Ceiling fans are a must-have in every major living space and
bedroom. They improve air circulation, allowing you to raise the thermostat a
few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In the summer, make sure your fan
blades are spinning counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
Benefit: Increases perceived comfort while
reducing reliance on your AC.
Build
Smarter, Live Cooler
Whether you're buying your first
home or moving up for more space on acreage, now is the perfect time to explore
a new home designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.
Contact
us today to tour move-in ready homes or learn more about available
homesites in our extraordinary communities.
