Energy-Efficient Accessory Dwelling Units
Create More Living Space. Keep Family Close. Build for the future.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit—or ADU—can transform the way your property works for your family.
Whether you're considering space for an aging parent, an adult child, extended family, or simply preparing your property for changing needs, an ADU can provide an independent living space while keeping the people who matter close.
At Home Energy, we believe there's another important consideration:
If you're creating a new living space, why not make energy efficiency part of the plan from the beginning?
What Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a smaller, independent residential living space located on the same property as a primary home.
Depending on the property, applicable regulations, and homeowner's goals, an ADU may take different forms.
What they share is the ability to create additional living space without requiring a family to purchase an entirely separate property.
Why Homeowners Are Considering ADUs?
Families change. Homes don't always change with them.
An ADU can give a property greater flexibility as needs evolve.
For some families, that means creating a private living space for an aging parent while keeping them nearby. For others, it may provide space for an adult child or extended family member. And for homeowners thinking years ahead, an ADU can be part of a broader plan for how the property can accommodate changing circumstances over time.
Aging Parents
Provide independent living space while keeping family nearby.
Multigenerational Living
Create privacy and independence without separating the household across different properties.
Adult Children
Provide additional living space while maintaining separation from the primary residence.
Changing Family Needs
Build flexibility into your property so it can continue serving your family as circumstances change.
Why Build an Energy-Efficient ADU?
An ADU isn't simply another room. It's a living environment.
That means comfort, heating and cooling, insulation, air leakage, ventilation, and energy consumption all matter.
When efficiency is considered during the planning and construction process, rather than after the project is finished, the building can be designed as a more integrated system.
Depending on the project, energy-conscious ADU planning may consider:
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High-quality insulation
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Air sealing
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Efficient windows and doors
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Heating and cooling efficiency
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Building-envelope performance
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Ventilation
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Efficient lighting
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Long-term operating costs
The objective is straightforward: create a space that isn't only attractive and functional, but comfortable and efficient to live in.
ADUs for Aging in Place
One of the most compelling uses for an ADU is creating a living arrangement for an aging parent or family member.
Families often face a difficult choice between maintaining independence and having support nearby. An ADU may offer another possibility.
A thoughtfully planned space can provide an older adult with privacy and independence while allowing family members to remain close.
Design decisions can also consider future needs from the beginning, including accessibility, ease of movement, layout, comfort, and energy performance.
Rather than waiting for circumstances to force a housing decision, an ADU can allow families to plan ahead.