An energy efficient home can save around 25% on your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The most energy efficient home you can have is a new build as they typically use 20% less energy than older properties. The best thing you can do is build an energy-efficient home from the ground up. Include these measures and you’ll have an affordable, green home to move into.
Energy-efficient foundations
They say a home is nothing but bricks and mortar, but an energy-efficient new build is a whole lot more. Advanced House Framing is one way to go as it keeps lumber use down. In place of lumber, insulation materials are used instead which help to keep the property at a suitable temperature. It’s thought that you’ll save around 5% on energy costs by building your property in this way. In a standard home, up to 25% of its heat is lost through the roof. A cool roof can stop this problem. They work all year round and reflect sunlight away to keep it cool in the summer. You won’t need to rely on heating or cooling devices so much, which means you’ll save cash. Plus, you may qualify for a government rebate of between $144 to $360.
Saving water
Energy prices are rising and this means it’s more expensive than ever to heat water. A tankless water heater heats up water instantly so that it is immediately ready to use. They’re 20% more energy efficient than a tank system as water isn’t hanging around in a tank all day being kept warm. Generally, tankless water heater installation cost comes in at $3,200. They last longer than standard systems, so are more environmentally friendly too. Another way to be energy efficient with your water is to install recycling technology. These systems collect gray water, treat it, and recycle it so that it can be used again.
Solar design
Solar panels have been used for years to produce energy, but there are a lot more innovative ways to build them into your new home’s design. Traditionally, solar panels are put on the roof of your home, however, if you want a quirky rounded roof, your best option is to build a carport and put solar panels on the roof of that. The energy created can be used to charge your vehicle, as well as warm up your home’s water, and provide electricity. A vast majority of the shell of your home can be built to provide renewable energy. Solar windows and skylights can be installed throughout. Position in the best place possible and your energy usage could drop by 20% per day. If you want to go with a passive solar home design, thermal mass materials, such as water, masonry, water, and stone must be used as they store heat which will help to keep your property warm.
Building an energy efficient home is simple when you know how. For the best savings, make sure you consider your home as a whole rather than just focusing on one or two parts.
