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Energy-efficient features to look for in new homes

Our homes

By StaffMay 8, 20252 min read

A close-up of a stainless steel, side-by-side Frigidaire fridge.

We know energy efficiency is important to home buyers who want to help lower utility bills. So, we’re taking a look at some of the energy-efficient features to consider in new homes from Clayton and our builders.

At Clayton, we focus on bringing innovations to the home building industry that can help make housing more attainable to own and live in, supporting more families in achieving homeownership. Many of our new construction homes include energy-efficient features designed to help reduce annual energy costs, lower the overall cost of homeownership, and keep your home more comfortable year-round.

Let’s take a look at how these features can influence the way our homes are built and experienced.

A close-up of a SmartComfort® by Carrier HVAC unit.

Heating and cooling systems

First up, let’s talk about temperature. Because you’re buying a new construction home, your heating and cooling systems will also be new. This means your HVAC system, water heater, and thermostat are designed to operate efficiently and should be less likely to require immediate replacement or service. Additionally, because these systems are built to current standards, you should have fewer concerns about less inefficient or outdated equipment.

A console table with a lamp, frames, and decor is set in front of a large window with beige curtains, bright outside light shining through, in a living room with the kitchen seen in the background.

Windows and lighting

Your windows are also an important part of making your home more efficient. Overall, owning a new home with modern and well-sealed windows can help your home maintain indoor temperatures more efficiently. Properly insulated, double-pane, Low-E windows with argon gas can also help

About Clayton

Founded in 1956, Clayton is committed to opening doors to a better life through homeownership. Clayton is a leading single-family, values-driven home builder dedicated to attainable housing, sustainable practices, and creating a world-class experience for customers and team members. The company’s portfolio includes a comprehensive range of site-built, modern manufactured, Tiny, CrossMod® and modular housing. In 2024, Clayton built more than 60,000 homes across the country. For more information, visit claytonhomes.com.

Who we are

If you have the option to include Low-E windows in your home, these "low emissivity” windows have a special coating that helps limit UV rays and infrared light from entering your home. Argon gas also helps improve insulation, so you can open those curtains and enjoy all the benefits of natural lighting in your home while using less energy.

And when you need extra light, LED lighting is generally more efficient than typical incandescent bulbs. They’re also made with more durable materials, produce less heat, and offer a range of design options, making them a good fit for use in many areas of your home.

Finally, the appliances you use every day can have a big impact on your energy consumption, too. When shopping for a new home, consider modern ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances, like refrigerators and dishwashers. ENERGY STAR certification means the appliance meets strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Talk to your home consultant about energy-efficient features available in homes near you, so you can better understand potential cost savings. If you’re shopping for modern manufactured homes, Clayton Homes offers eBuilt^® and eBuilt^® Plus homes, which may provide even more energy and cost savings.

ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

*Energy savings are based on electrical energy consumption using NREL^® BEopt™ to estimate annual electrical energy consumption of a home built to ENERGY STAR^® Version 3.0 requirements and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home™ guidelines compared to the same home built to HUD standards in the city listed. Estimates are based on calculations for multi-section Tempo Let it Be and Shout models. In thermal zone 2, eBuilt homes powered by gas are ENERGY STAR Version 3.0 ready when paired with an electric hybrid water heater at additional cost. In thermal zone 3, eBuilt homes may be optioned to meet ENERGY STAR^® Version 3.0 ready when additional insulation is installed.

Base features for eBuilt homes were updated on September 8, 2025. Refrigerators and dishwashers are optional in some home models. Ask your home center for more information to learn the features included in a particular home.

Energy-efficient features to look for in new homes

We know energy efficiency is important to home buyers who want to help lower utility bills. So, we’re taking a look at some of the energy-efficient features to consider in new homes from Clayton and our builders.

Heating and cooling systems

Windows and lighting

Appliances

Learn more about the home types and features we offer and which one works best for you.