Efficiency Should Feel Effortless
At Mark Scott Homes, we believe energy efficiency isn’t about chasing every shiny new technology — it’s about building smarter.
A truly efficient home should feel natural: comfortable year-round, quiet, and built to age gracefully with low operating costs.
In Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana, that means focusing on what actually pays off in our climate — and knowing which “eco” trends aren’t worth their buzzword price tag.
What’s Worth It: The High-Impact Upgrades
🧱 Insulation & Air Sealing
The biggest energy losses in homes come from air leakage — not lack of insulation.
We focus on tight building envelopes using spray foam, advanced caulking, and properly sealed penetrations. Combine that with well-insulated walls, attics, and rim joists, and you’ll see lower heating bills and quieter interiors.
🪟 High-Performance Windows
Near Lake Michigan, glass is both your view and your biggest vulnerability.
Triple-pane, low-E coated windows dramatically improve comfort and reduce drafts. We often recommend Marvin or Pella systems — beautiful, durable, and designed for coastal climates.
🌡️ Right-Sized HVAC Systems
Oversized HVAC systems are a silent budget killer. They short-cycle, waste energy, and wear out faster.
Our mechanical partners design systems matched precisely to the home’s size and insulation value — delivering perfect comfort, quietly and efficiently.
☀️ Smart Thermostats & Zoning
Smart thermostats are small investments with big returns. Pairing them with zoned HVAC lets you heat and cool areas independently, ideal for large homes or second homes you’re not in daily.
What’s Often Not Worth It
🚫 Overcomplicated Solar Systems
Solar panels can be worthwhile, but only when the home’s orientation, tree cover, and roof design cooperate. For many lakefront builds, panels face shading and storm exposure — so we recommend considering pre-wiring for future solar, not over-investing upfront.
🚫 Gimmicky “Green” Materials
Products that market themselves as “eco-friendly” can sometimes have more embedded energy than traditional materials. We prioritize locally sourced, durable, and low-maintenance materials — that’s the real sustainability.
🚫 Ultra-High-Tech Systems Without Local Support
That European radiant floor controller sounds great — until you can’t get parts.
We specify systems with strong U.S. support networks and proven track records for serviceability.
Building Efficiently Without Sacrificing Luxury
A well-built, energy-smart home doesn’t look different — it lives differently.
You’ll feel steady temperatures, quieter rooms, and the satisfaction of knowing every watt is working for you, not escaping through the roof.
Our approach is simple: spend smarter, not bigger. We guide homeowners toward features that actually perform in our lakeshore climate — combining efficiency, durability, and beauty.
Considering a custom home near Lake Michigan? Let’s design it to stay comfortable, beautiful, and energy-smart for decades. Contact Mark Scott Homes today to start planning your build.