Moving into a new home is an exciting time in your life. However, it’s wise to ensure that your new home is energy efficient. Before choosing your construction materials, you’ll want to know how to increase the energy efficiency of your home by making wise choices. If you’re wanting a more efficient home, it’s wise to utilize a few helpful tips. In this post, you’ll learn how to build an energy efficient property.
Designing an Energy Efficient Home
There are many benefits associated with having an energy efficient home. Many energy efficient homeowners find that living in these properties means spending far less on electric, heating, and cooling bills. In addition, living in an energy efficient home means you’re doing your part to help the environment. It’s understandable to wonder how you can begin enjoying these benefits. With that in mind, here are three important ways to design an energy efficient home.
Implementing Proper Solar Room Orientation
Many people take for granted one of the best sources of natural energy which is the sun. Considering that, you’ll want to know about solar design orientation. This means designing the layout of your home to receive the most amount of heat from the sun’s rays during the winter and fewer amounts during the summer.
To achieve this goal, you’ll want to make sure that the south facing rooms are where you’ll spend the most time while at home. Therefore, it’s best for living and family rooms to face south. Rooms facing north will receive the least amount of sunlight. Considering that, it’s wise to have garages and bathrooms facing north.
Using Insulated Concrete Forms
If you’re looking to own an energy efficient home, you’ll definitely want to consider using insulated concrete forms. These forms combine insulation material with the strength of concrete. One study found that buildings constructed with insulated concrete forms are six to nine times stronger than traditional structures. In addition, you’ll find that using ICFs reduces wasting construction material. Insulated concrete forms are constructed one row at a time, cutting end block in order to reduce waste.
Choosing Energy Efficient HVAC Systems
Nearly 48% of all energy usage taking place in your home is for heating and cooling purposes. Therefore, it’s wise to ensure that you’re implementing an energy efficient HVAC system in your home. Considering that, you’ll want to find Energy Star HVAC systems to place inside of your property. In addition to saving on energy costs, you’ll also likely receive tax savings from using Energy Star products. In addition, insulated concrete forms are great ways to reduces your annual heating and cooling bills. Statistics from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development found that ICF walls are able to save homeowners anywhere from 20-25% on yearly heating and cooling costs.
In conclusion, it’s wise to live inside of an energy efficient home. If you’re building your own home, there are several measures you can take to achieve this goal. Fortunately, building an energy efficient doesn’t require spending immense amounts of money. In turn, you can begin enjoying the feeling of spending less on bills while doing your part to protect the environment.