5 Ways Net Zero Homes Will Save You Money on Bills & Upkeep
The cost of owning net zero homes may, at first glance, seem higher than those without maximum energy efficiency. But is the higher upfront cost worth it? For high-performance homes sold at a competitive price point, the answer is yes! Home energy independence delivers substantial annual savings to singles, couples, and growing families for the long term. That's precisely why an increasing number of buyers are doing the financial math when purchasing their slice of the American Dream.
At Zero Energy Homes, we're committed to designing and building affordable new construction homes. Our team works diligently to create net zero energy homes Maine residents deserve, delivering financial benefits including greater property value, lower maintenance expenses, and guaranteed energy independence.
1. Low or No Utility Bills
A net zero energy home uses renewable energy to produce enough power to supply the household’s needs. Solar energy is the primary way homeowners avoid drawing expensive electricity from the grid, and heat pumps are also a common source of energy collection and generation used in modern zero energy homes.
Zero energy homes produce as much energy as they consume, dramatically reducing or eliminating utility bills. According to the Zero Energy Project, many homeowners achieve positive cash flow from year one, with monthly energy savings exceeding any additional mortgage costs. The homes typically reach full payback within 7.8 to 13.8 years, after which homeowners enjoy minimal energy costs for the life of the home, making it not only a financially sound investment, but also an environmentally responsible choice.
2. Protection From Rising Energy Prices
It’s no secret that Mainers are interested in solutions to rising energy costs. According to the Energy Information Administration, New Englanders are expected to suffer another 19 percent hike in residential electricity costs, despite already paying the highest rates in the U.S. Given the unsustainable price spikes and reliance on fossil fuels, it makes sense to generate your own electricity.
One of the ways community members calculate the overall savings of buying net zero energy homes is to estimate the rising costs of electricity, natural gas, home heating, oil and other sources. Look at how much these things cost just 10 years ago and imagine how much they’ll accelerate over the next 5-10 years. You could avoid those skyrocketing monthly bills.
3. Lower Maintenance Expenses
Along with not having to pay high monthly utility bills, long-term home maintenance savings are another way zero energy homes are more affordable. To achieve net zero, Zero Energy Homes of Maine feature a tight thermal envelope that prevents drafts and energy losses, keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs.
This superior envelope dramatically reduces the workload on your heating and cooling systems, as they're not constantly battling outdoor temperatures or compensating for air leakage. The result is less wear and tear on your HVAC equipment, fewer breakdowns, and extended system lifespan, which means homeowners enjoy significant maintenance savings over time.
4. Lower Insurance Rates
Insurance companies that provide homeowner’s insurance offer a wide array of discounts. You can expect savings for having a fully monitored alarm system or being in a gated community.
A lesser-known discount benefits homebuyers purchasing a newly constructed, net zero home. Some insurers provide discounts of around 5% for homes with green certifications like LEED or Energy Star ratings.
Additionally, new net zero homes often qualify for new construction discounts since they're considered lower-risk properties with modern systems and superior building standards.
To maximize potential savings, we encourage you to contact Maine insurers directly to ask about LEED, Energy Star, and net zero home discount programs. Our zero energy homes’ modern construction, energy-efficient systems, and tight thermal envelope may result in lower premiums compared to older conventional homes.
5. Increased Property Value
When financing a house, there’s virtually no comparison between standard construction and energy-efficient home value. While the latter does call for a greater upfront investment, net zero energy single-family homes enjoy a higher market value. Those buyers gain more equity, faster.
And unlike owners of standard construction — whose household budgets take a hit as utility costs surge — owners of net zero energy homes permanently reduce or remove those costs. When you move into a zero-energy home in Maine, your property values generally run higher because you save thousands of dollars annually.
Own a Home That Generates Its Own Energy
At Zero Energy Homes, we specialize in designing and building beautiful, comfortable houses that help Mainers end their costly reliance on the grid and fossil fuels. Our locally owned and operated co-op works with high-quality materials from local sources. If you’d like to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and save money over the long term, contact us today. Let’s get the process started.
