How to Build an Energy Efficient Home
Next year, new housing production will increase to over 57,000 projects. How many of those will be energy-efficient homes? Are you thinking about building an energy efficient home? Which companies provide the most energy-efficient home design? Are there any companies that are strictly involved in energy-efficient home construction?
What are the characteristics of the most energy-efficient homes? Do they go beyond energy star features?
If you’re looking to build an energy-efficient home, keep reading. We’ll show you what you need to look for in the design of your new home.
Are You Planning to Build an Energy-Efficient Home? What You Need to Know
Building a home can be an exciting time in your life, but there are so many things to keep in mind besides the finished energy-efficient home.
Remember that April through June is the busiest time for most builders, for example. May through August is a slow time to try to sell your existing home.
When thinking about building, plan your schedule accordingly, then worry about the details of the home. Let’s look at getting those details incorporated to make sure you are building the most energy-efficient home possible.
1. A Tight Exterior
Did you know that the outer shell of a building is called the “building envelope”? This envelope is your first step in energy efficiency.
Airtight windows, good insulation, air sealing will all keep the home more energy-efficient. Keeping the heat in and the cold out in the winter and the cool air in and the hot air out in the summer is the goal.
Your home will use less energy when there is a barrier between the air and moisture outside.
2. The Orientation of the Home
Depending on whether you live in a warm or cold climate, you should orient the home with the goal in mind to reduce heating or air conditioning usage and cost.
For example, if you build your home to face south and have the majority of your windows facing south, you can reduce your heating requirements by one-fourth. That’s a saving that doesn’t cost you any extra money when building.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances, Lighting,
Your kitchen appliances, water heater, furnace, air conditioner, lighting, etc. all use a considerable amount of energy in the running of your home. You want to include the most energy-efficient models you can buy.
Besides saving you money on your electric bill, ENERGY STAR features are good for the environment and may get you a tax break.
4. Don’t Forget the Landscaping
Plant deciduous trees or build your home with the location of the trees in mind. They can provide shade to reduce air conditioning costs in the summer. When they lose their leaves in the fall, the sun will come through to help heat the home.
Happy Building
Now that you know the elements necessary to build an energy-efficient home, you can begin the initial steps to building your new home. Was this article helpful? Check out our website for other informative articles.