The Energy Efficiency and Health Debate: Building New vs. Buying Existing Homes

When deciding whether to build a new home or purchase an existing one, numerous factors come into play. Among the most critical considerations are energy efficiency and health, especially as awareness of sustainable living and indoor environmental quality grows.

It may seem easier to buy something existing; a pre-loved home that is on the market. And it is in the short term. A nice simple decision, along with a price and you're done. But is that best option for you and your family? Are you happy with the minimum standard of building performance for your family; current many years ago when the home was built? You may be the type of person that demands a better standard for your family. 

This article explores the relative merits of buying an existing home, vs building to today's minimum code, vs building a high performance home. 

Let's start with buying existing. 

Buying Existing Homes: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Immediate Availability: Purchasing an existing home allows for immediate occupancy, avoiding the waiting period associated with building a new home.
2. Established Neighborhoods: Existing homes are often located in well-developed areas with mature landscaping, established communities, and essential amenities.
3. Cost-Effective: Generally, the upfront cost of buying an existing home is lower than building a new one, making it a financially viable option for many families.

Cons:

1. Energy Efficiency: Older homes may lack modern insulation and energy-efficient systems, leading to higher utility bills and lower overall energy performance.
2. Maintenance and Repairs: Existing homes may require significant maintenance, updates, and repairs to meet current standards and personal preferences.
3. Health Concerns: Older homes can have issues like poor indoor air quality, mold, or outdated building materials, which can affect the health of the occupants.

Why Buying an Existing Home Might Be a Good Decision:

For many, buying an existing home is a practical choice due to its immediate availability and lower initial cost. It offers the advantage of living in established neighborhoods with mature surroundings. However, buyers should weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks like higher energy costs and the need for updates. Ultimately, purchasing an existing home can be a sensible decision for those prioritizing convenience and location over modern amenities and customization.

Energy Efficiency: The New Home Advantage

Merits of Building a New Home

1. Advanced Insulation and Sealing: Modern building standards emphasize superior insulation and airtight sealing. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), for example, offer excellent thermal performance, significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
2. Energy-Efficient Systems: New homes can incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems like solar panels. These features lower utility bills and reduce the environmental footprint.
3. Regulatory Compliance: New homes must comply with current building codes and regulations, which increasingly demand higher energy efficiency standards. This ensures that a newly built home meets or exceeds today's energy performance expectations.

Disadvantages of Building a New Home

1. Initial Cost: The upfront cost of building a new home can be significantly higher than purchasing an existing one. However, long-term savings on energy bills often offset this initial investment.
2. Construction Time: Building a new home takes time, and the process can be stressful and complex. For those needing immediate housing, this could be a drawback.

Health Benefits: Fresh Air and Safe Materials

Health Merits of New Homes

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality: New homes are designed with better ventilation systems that ensure a constant supply of fresh air, reducing indoor pollutants and allergens. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), are particularly effective.
2. Low VOC Materials: Building a new home allows for the use of low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) materials, which can significantly reduce indoor air pollution and associated health risks.
3. Mold and Moisture Control: Modern construction techniques and materials reduce the risk of mold and mildew, which can trigger respiratory issues and other health problems.

Disadvantages of New Homes in Terms of Health

1. Construction Materials: Despite regulations, some new construction materials may still off-gas or contribute to indoor air quality issues if not carefully selected.
2. Location and Landscaping: New homes are often built in developing areas where landscaping is not yet mature, potentially exposing residents to dust and other allergens.

Thermal Performance: Levels and Importance

New homes can be built to different levels of thermal performance, often categorized into standard building codes, high-performance homes, and ultra-efficient homes like Passivhaus.

1. Standard Homes: These meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements set by local building codes. While better than older homes, they may not provide optimal performance in extreme climates.
2. High-Performance Homes: These exceed standard building codes and often include features like double or triple-glazed windows, enhanced insulation, and advanced HVAC systems. They offer better energy savings and comfort.
3. Ultra-Efficient Homes: Homes built to standards like Passivhaus or Zero Energy Ready Homes are designed to achieve maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. They require minimal energy to heat and cool, often achieving up to 90% reductions in energy use compared to standard homes.

The Case for Building New: Investing in the Future

Building a new home provides a unique opportunity to create a living space tailored to your specific needs, with the added benefits of advanced energy efficiency and enhanced health. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings on energy bills, combined with the potential for a healthier living environment, make it a worthwhile investment.

Building Better: Why Not Aim Higher?

If you're already investing in a new build, why not aim for the highest standards? High-performance or ultra-efficient homes not only provide greater comfort and lower energy bills but also contribute positively to the environment. By incorporating the latest in energy-efficient technology and materials, you can future-proof your home against rising energy costs and ensure a healthy, sustainable living space for years to come.

Here's a comparison table that contrasts the three options: buying an existing home, building a new home to code, and building a new home to better standards.

Key Points

1. Energy Efficiency and Costs: Building new to better standards offers the best energy efficiency, which translates to lower heating and cooling costs and a more comfortable living environment. Buying an existing home often results in higher energy costs due to inefficiencies.
2. Health and Indoor Air Quality: New homes, especially those built to higher standards, provide better indoor air quality through advanced ventilation systems and low VOC materials. Existing homes can have poor air quality due to outdated materials and lack of modern ventilation.
3. Initial and Maintenance Costs: While the initial cost of building new to better standards is the highest, the long-term savings in energy and maintenance costs can offset the upfront investment. Existing homes may have lower initial costs but could require significant maintenance and upgrades.
4. Environmental Impact: Homes built to better standards have the lowest environmental impact due to their superior energy efficiency and use of eco-friendly materials. Existing homes generally have a higher operational carbon footprint.
5. Customization and Future Proofing: Building new allows for complete customization, and opting for better standards ensures the home is future-proofed against changing energy regulations and environmental standards.

This table and comparison highlights the trade-offs between these three options, emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in a new, high-performance home.

Conclusion

The decision between building a new home and buying an existing one ultimately depends on your priorities and circumstances. However, when considering energy efficiency and health, building new offers significant advantages. Investing in a new, high-performance home can provide long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial costs, making it a smart choice for those looking to create a comfortable, healthy, and sustainable living environment.

Additional Resources from Formance

For more detailed information on building energy-efficient and healthy homes, explore the following resources on the Formance website:

• The Formance Design Guide and other resources
• Energy Efficiency with Formance
• Climate and Sustainability with Formance

By weighing the pros and cons of building new versus buying existing, you can make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle and values.