What you don’t see in your new home can be just as important, if not more, than what you do see. This behind-the-scenes action includes built-in energy efficiencies that help impact your comfort level, your pocketbook and the environment. 

Here are few environmentally and economically friendly items to look for when you’re searching for your perfect new home: 

• Drought-tolerant front yard landscaping, including an irrigation system with timers and a drip system.
• Appliances that have been deemed Energy Star and certified by the U.S. Department of Energy. Normally, household appliances account for 20% of a home’s total electric bill.
• A durable, and ideally solar ready, concrete tile roof with radiant barrier roof sheeting to help your home stay cooler during the hot summer months and help keep your energy costs down.
• Paints and carpets that claim to contain no VOCs – volatile organic compounds – are friendlier options for your floors, interior walls and ceilings.
• Energy efficient windows are an integral part of energy efficient home. Low emissivity or low-E means the glass has a special coating to improve thermal performance and cut down on glare. Dual glazed means there are two sheets of glass with a small, sealed air gap, also improving efficiencies.
• A programmable thermostat for easy, convenient temperature control.
• Interior and exterior LED lights. 



San Joaquin Valley Homes prides itself in building not only beautiful homes, but also homes that are friendly to our planet. Visit our Neighborhoods page on our website to see which of our energy efficient neighborhoods best suits your lifestyle.