Phoenix, Arizona (NAPSI) - Keeping your home comfortable doesn’t have to mean costs that go through the roof.

Here’s a look at some of the latest technology that can be seen in a model home designed to showcase energy efficiency, The New American Home (TNAH), created by the National Association of Home Builders Leading Suppliers Council.

TNAH 2014 uses green building and construction technology, including a solar water heater, photovoltaic panels and closed spray-foam insulation.

One of the more effective energy-saving components is also one of the least expensive: sealed electrical wall boxes.

A problem for most homeowners is that the electrical boxes on exterior walls let drafts in. In response, electrical components manufacturer Thomas & Betts has come up with a clever way to eliminate this energy drain.

The Carlon Draft-Tight boxes feature a gasketed front flange that provides a seal from the box to the back of the drywall and gaskets over cable-entry points to prevent airflow from getting into the house. This saves heating costs in winter and cooling in the summer. It can also reduce construction costs.

By eliminating the need to caulk or seal the boxes after installation, the builder can save about five hours of installation time for a 2,200-square-foot house.

The design is also available for ceiling boxes and multigang outlets, and can be put in already- built homes as well as new ones. You can find these boxes at home improvement centers or talk to your electrician about having them installed.

For further information on these energy-saving devices, go to www.tnb.com/receptacles.