Energy Prices Are Rising - But Your Bills Don’t Have To
According to The Wall Street Journal, household electric bills have risen faster than inflation over the last few years – outpacing nearly every other major expense. The article notes that U.S. electricity rates have climbed nearly 30% nationwide since 2020, driven by higher infrastructure and fuel costs. And because utilities are expected to continue raising prices over the next decade, homeowners are realizing that the best financial protection isn’t switching providers - it’s owning a home built for long-term energy efficiency.
At Two Structures Homes, our Built Better approach means every home is engineered to use less energy without sacrificing comfort or style. That translates into lower monthly bills today and lasting protection against future rate hikes. It’s not just smart design; it’s smart ownership.
The Typical Builder vs. Two Structures Homes
Most Oklahoma homebuilders meet only the minimum code requirements set by the state. Those rules define the least efficient home you can legally build, and many tract builders stop there to save on upfront costs.
According to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission (OUBCC), the state’s residential energy standards follow the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These codes apply to Climate Zone 3A, which includes much of Central Oklahoma.
Under these guidelines, a code-minimum home requires only:
- R-13 insulation in exterior 2×4 walls
- R-30 insulation in attic spaces
- R-13 or R-5 continuous insulation on basement or foundation walls
- R-5 insulation at slab edges (2 feet deep)
- Windows with a U-factor of 0.40 and SHGC ≤ 0.30
While that may meet inspection requirements, it does little to protect homeowners from Oklahoma’s extreme weather. Minimal insulation, unsealed gaps, and long unconditioned duct runs mean more wasted air and higher energy bills for decades to come.
That’s where Two Structures Homes stands apart. We don’t build to code minimum, we build well above it.
What Makes a Two Structures Home More Efficient
Each Two Structures Home is designed to exceed Oklahoma’s energy code and achieve Energy Star–level performance. Here’s how we do it:
High-Performance Building Envelope
We start with 2×6 exterior walls, allowing for deeper, high-density insulation that dramatically improves thermal performance. Each wall system includes Tyvek weather wrap, OSB sheathing, and a drainage plane that manages moisture while tightening the home’s air seal.
We go a step further by applying a super seal package and drywall gasket system for superior airtightness. This combination keeps conditioned air inside and Oklahoma’s heat and humidity outside, improving comfort and efficiency year-round.
Efficient HVAC Design
We don’t just install efficient HVAC equipment, we design for efficiency from the start. Our mechanical systems are properly sized and balanced, and R-8 ductwork is kept short, sealed, and located in conditioned or shaded areas to reduce energy loss. The result is more even temperatures throughout your home, fewer wasted kilowatt-hours, and a system that doesn’t waste energy heating or cooling the attic.
Smart Ventilation Systems
Proper ventilation improves indoor air quality and makes the home healthier. Our systems continuously circulate fresh, filtered air and maintain balanced humidity - without wasting conditioned air. This creates a cleaner, more comfortable indoor environment that supports better health, efficiency, and overall well-being.
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
Every Two Structures home includes tankless hot water, providing endless comfort on demand while eliminating the standby energy losses of traditional tank systems. You get hot water faster and use less energy doing it.
Energy-Saving Windows & Orientation
We use Argon gas–filled, low-emissivity windows with a U-value of 0.29 and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.22 - far exceeding Oklahoma’s minimum code standard of 0.40/0.30. This means your home gains less heat in summer, retains more warmth in winter, and filters harmful UV rays that can fade furnishings.
Our windows are also strategically placed to balance natural light and shading, reducing the load on your HVAC system while enhancing overall livability and comfort.
Protecting Your Future: Built Better = Built Smarter
Energy prices fluctuate, but efficiency is permanent. At Two Structures Homes, we build with long-term operating costs in mind. Every home includes:
- Post-tension foundation for strength, durability, and reduced cracking
- Insulated foundation perimeter to minimize heat loss through the slab and maintain consistent indoor temperatures
- Energy Star certification verifying superior performance through third-party testing
- 2-10 structural warranty offering lasting peace of mind
While other homeowners see their bills climb year after year, Two Structures homeowners enjoy predictable, lower utility costs because their homes were engineered for performance from day one.
Savings That Compound Over Time
Energy efficiency doesn’t just make your home more comfortable - it’s a financial asset that grows in value over time.
If your neighbor’s standard-built home spends $2,000 a year on energy, your Two Structures home could save 25% or more - about $500 annually. Over ten years, that’s $5,000 to $8,000 in avoided costs, before even considering resale value or rate increases.
As The Wall Street Journal highlights, electricity prices are expected to keep rising as utilities upgrade aging grids and expand renewable infrastructure. Every kilowatt-hour your home doesn’t use saves you more money each year.
When you build efficiently now, your savings grow automatically later.
Why This Matters in Central Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s weather is tough on homes. Our region faces triple-digit summers, sudden cold snaps, high humidity, and severe winds, conditions that test every structure. A code-minimum house simply can’t keep up.
That’s why Two Structures Homes are designed for resilience, strength, and comfort. Across the Central Oklahoma region from Deer Creek and Edmond to Mustang and surrounding communities, our homes stay cooler in summer, cozier in winter, and cleaner inside all year long.
Energy efficiency here isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protecting your family’s health, safety, and financial well-being for decades to come.
Final Thought
With Two Structures Homes, energy efficiency isn’t an upgrade, it’s our standard.
Because being Built Better means being ready for tomorrow - no matter how high energy prices climb.