While it did not break into the top ten most energy efficient states for 2014, Maryland is making great strides in the ways of green technology at a residential and commercial level.

According to Clean Technica, a clean energy news site, one Maryland-area home has achieved zero net energy use for a full calendar year.

Researchers and builders from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) set out to determine whether it was possible for a net-zero-energy home to exist, and with the proper implementation of energy-efficient appliances, insulation, heating and cooling systems and location, the team exceeded their own expectations.

Built with the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum Codes, which are the highest standards for energy efficiency in the country, the researchers estimated that the house would be 60 percent more efficient than the average Maryland home.

The average Maryland-based house uses approximately 27,000 kWh of energy, whereas this house only used 13,086. The builders, who had worked with researchers to find the places in normal homes that tend to hemorrhage energy – and as a result, money – included solar paneling, energy star certified appliances and strategic placement. While the implementation of proper sealing, windows and appliances lowered the overall energy consumption, the use of solar paneling actually created more energy than the house could use in a year.  

"Residents of these type of houses would save about $4,373 in electricity a year ($364 a month), and the improvements will not only increase the total value of the house, but it will also enhance the living comfort," says Clean Technica.

Step one in creating more efficient homes is identifying the places within your current environment that need improvement. The best way to do that is seek out a professional home inspection from Alban Inspections. For more information, contact us today.