From the materials Maleno uses to insulate our new homes to the types of windows we install to let summer’s breeze in and keep the winter’s bluster out, we’re always working to find new ways to increase energy efficiency in our new construction. To understand why energy-efficient homes are so important, we’re exploring what exactly makes a house energy efficient, how being energy efficient saves homeowners money in the long run, and how living in an energy-efficient home helps the environment.