For anyone building a new home, sticking to budget is often a top priority. One thing that is for sure is when you use features that are energy efficient. Using the environment and climate in your passive design is more comfortable to heat. Furthermore, you will notice that your home becomes more comfortable. To maximize energy efficiency when building a new home, try following the tips below:
1. Perfect orientation.
Location is important when it comes to maximizing energy efficiency. You need to place your new home in a place where you can enjoy cool breezes during summer and easy access to the sun during winter. To be able to have such benefits, your house should face the north.
2. Shading
Take your time and plant deciduous trees on the western and southern sides of your home. During summer, these trees shelter you from the sun. When it gets to fall, the leaves from the trees drop, hence allowing the winter sun to heat the house.
3. Make use of adequately insulated doors and windows.
In an airtight and well-insulated house, windows and doors store energy. Select appropriate door and window products and locate them carefully in the house.
4. You should have a fresh air supply that is energy efficient.
Homes that maximize energy efficiency need a source of air that is freshly filtered since they are airtight. Houses that save on energy are more comfortable and healthier than regular houses.
5. Use energy-efficient appliances.
Building a new home gives you the perfect opportunity to use appliances that consume less energy. In your original design, you should consider using kitchen, and laundry appliances. For example, machines that need hot water need to be close to the area where heating takes place. As a result, the loss of heat in pipes is reduced.
6. Be very careful when choosing the floor plan.
Take your time and know what you need. The larger the home, the more it will cost to heat, cool, and furnish. Selecting a good design can make a small space appear larger. As a result, your house will be more comfortable and valuable. To ensure you do the right thing, consider the following:
- Build a reasonably sized house. Adding unnecessary space will cost you more.
- Plan for your area well. The need for more space may arise later. Work with what you have first before you decide to expand.
7. Lighting.
- When it comes to light, natural light offers the cheapest solution. Fluorescent lights are also a great option because they save energy, and are durable.
- Alternatively, you can use LED lights. They are more expensive as compared to fluorescent bulbs, but they can last three times longer. As per the current technological advancements, the LED lights will be affordable soon.
8. Avoid glass
- Using too much glass in building your house makes it too hot during summer, and too cold in winter.
- To be on the safe side, minimize the number of windows on the east and west sides of your house.
9. Maintain a Good Gutter System
It’s hard to keep your home safe when there’s a ton of elements that can damage it. From something as simple as rainwater to more sinister stuff like hail and storm debris, your dwelling is always at risk. And when any part of your house sustains damage, no matter how big or small, its energy-saving capabilities will be crippled. For example, a leak on your roof can cause water to seep into the cavities, eventually damaging the interior and messing up insulation, resulting in higher bills.
That’s why you can’t go wrong with investing in a well-maintained gutter system. It redirects all the water from rain, moisture, or vapor away from your home. This doesn’t only protect the roof but also your house’s exterior, as water can still break through small cracks in the siding. Spout Gutter Pros, a reputable contractor for exterior drainage systems, suggests that you discuss your plans with an expert in the field. They can help you choose the appropriate materials, sustainable design and help execute the project properly in a manner that meets your budget.