Building Energy Efficient Houses – 8 Things to Consider
Obviously if you already have a home, you are limited as to what you can do to conserve energy. However, building energy efficient houses is a whole different ball game! This is where you are in control. Make sure that you do your homework! I will give you 8 areas of consideration.
1. Choose Your Builder Wisely
This is first for a reason. It is the most important. When you go to the builder you should already have a good idea of things that he will do that will make your home more energy efficient. But if he is a good builder he should be telling you things that he does that you may not have even thought of. He should already know and be ready to implement everything that you have found in your research, or tell you why you should not do it.
2. Thicker Outside Walls
Most builders have gone to 6 inch outside walls for the simple reason that you can get more insulation in them.
3. Amount of Insulation
A lot of builders have gone to spraying a thin coat of foam insulation on first. It seals things. Then they put in the normal fiberglass insulation. Add these 2 together to get your total “R” value. And your builder should want to go above the normal required code. And don’t forget the ceilings. This is very important, as heat rises!
4. Orientation of the House
Sometimes you have absolutely no control over this. But if you do, face the sun. You can use the sun to heat your home. And in the summer you can close the blinds to get the sun out.
5. Heating and Cooling System
The options here are many. And they will vary according to your situation. You will really need to do a lot of research in this area. Make sure that you cover every aspect when you consider which system to go with. Most importantly the type of energy it requires. And the payback years. If a system takes 20 years before you see a savings, and you move every 7 years, it may not be a wise choice.
6. Hot Water
I love the new “tankless” hot water systems. Gas seems to be a favorite for new construction. But it depends upon your situation. For instance, if you are making your own electricity, you would want to go with electric.
7. Windows
This is one area where a lot of improvements have been made! There are many varieties at many different prices. The good thing is that there is a rating system that makes them easy to compare. Again, research and make a wise decision.
8. Lighting
If one CFL light bulb can make a difference, imagine what a whole houseful of them can do. Hopefully your builder will be using energy efficient lighting. If he does not, he is more concerned about making a profit than saving money on YOUR energy bill.
So there are 8 things to consider when building energy efficient houses. But this is not a complete list. And hopefully between you and your builder you will come up with even more!
There are many ways to save energy. Building energy efficient houses is the best start. But even after the house is complete, there are many things you can do to save energy. Not only to save money, but to save the planet and leave something for the next generation! Make sure that you do your part.
I just installed a tankless hot water system and I saw a drop in my gas bill the first month.
I love those tankless hot water systems!
Another great way to save energy in the home is to invest in decent bedding, if you have well insulated quilts and covers you can easily turn your heating down to a minimum. Actually it if far healthier for us to breath cooler air in the cold winter nights, warm constant heat is a dead cert to help spread colds and such in the dark winter month.
I work for a UK window blind company, it suprises people when we tell them that our window shades are energy conserving.. in winter our thermal shades help keep the cold in by refelecting the heat back inside, in summer they lower the need for Air con units…
I find it very informative. Keep up the good work.
Thanks John
It is really amazing the strides that have been made in creating more energy efficient buildings and homes. I know companies such as Dow Corning, are consistently coming up with new and more energy efficient ways of doing things. What is great is that even technologies that were once only used for big building projects are increasingly becoming available for use in home building, too. Let’s hope the world continues to move in the more energy efficient direction!
Energy efficient house- it is new to me. The concept is very interesting to me. Next time show us some pictures of this kind of houses.
I wish I was starting from scratch and building a new house to these standards. It’s tough retrofitting an old home with thin walls to make it more efficient
Saving energy is important for future because it is our basic need without it we cant survive on earth, building home with new technology which tends you to save energy and make your life comfortable.
Giriraj@Wall Insulation´s last [type] ..Home
Another thing that makes your home more energy efficient is that the heating or cooling systems are not only the resources to maintain the temp according to outer atmosphere, you need to insulate your house as well to keep or maintain heating or cooling inside the house, it saves a lot money and energy as well.
As an electrician and the father of three children, I know only too well what saving energy means for the future. You have written some great advise here and I do hope that people take notice.
As a mother of three, I’m all for spreading the word and giving advice about saving energy. If we all do our bit we can ensure a better future for our kids and future generations. At the same time we get to save money. It’s a win, win situation. Keep spreading the word my friend, you are doing something truly worthwhile.
My husband and I are thinking of doing a complete re-build, so I have been scouring the web for help, information and tips. I would just like to say that your site covers all three and I’m very glad I stumbled across it. Thank you very much.
kay@carpenterHastings´s last [type] ..Kitchen Planning Tips
Beneficial info and fantastic construct you have here. I would like to say thanks for sharing your ideas which benefits all who has knowledge on energy efficient houses. Keep sharing more.
Efficient building of homes are the future of construction, as the new home purchasing market is slowing, people are starting to invest more in their current homes. Being Leed certified helps in getting certain things done.
Brent Littlefield´s last [type] ..Affordable and professional bathroom remodeling contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth area
I agree Brent. The home improvement business is booming!
Your time doing research will pay off big in the long run! Thanks Kay!
Good point Kay.