Top tricks to build or create an energy efficient house
Home prices and materials for remodeling continue to rise in the US. Inflation is on the rise, which means everything costs more now so saving money is even more important. One of the biggest ways to save is to add environmentally friendly, and energy saving, features to your new or existing home. Beyond just saving money, many people want to do more to contribute to reducing waste and overconsumption by creating an energy efficient home. Here are a few tips, tricks, and resources if you are considering adding energy efficient features to your home.
Building an energy efficient home
As wood and steal prices have risen over the last year, people are turning to more renewable, and less costly, materials for new builds and remodeling. Here are a few tops choices for building materials and tips on how to build your home to save on energy costs down the road.
Recycled Steel
It takes a lot of trees to build a house, as many as 50 or more (source dengarden.com). With recycled steel, your home can be built using just 6-8 recycled cars. Steel overall is a great energy choice, as it is one of the most recycled materials on the planet and emits less CO2 than other building materials according to steel.org
Bamboo
Due to the quick growth of bamboo, and high strength to weight ratio, bamboo has become a tool in building energy efficient homes at a low cost.
Concrete
Concrete is a great choice if you live in an earthquake prone area, or are concerned about fire or flooding. Insulating concrete forms is a popular choice for those opting for concrete for the framing work in their home. These blocks stack like children’s building blocks. (source: sfgate.com)
Earth
What is more natural than good old fashioned dirt!? This may not be best if you are looking to build a traditional home, but if you are looking for something unusual, an earth made home is a choice. There are many options for building an earth home: using the ground and building into the earth or hill, creating bricks from dirt and materials to use as blocks, using straw and other materials to create walls and a structure. However you choose to use it, earth is an interesting way to gain energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Location, location, location
Not only where geographically your home is built, but how it faces on the lot is important. For homes in the northern hemisphere, facing west with no protection from the sun can really drive energy costs up. When building your home, think of how your home faces on the lot to minimize sun exposure. After the home positioning is determined, decide the best way to incorporate windows and natural light, without creating additional heat. For example, a large bay window in the front may have great curb appeal, but if the room is in your bedroom, this is only additional heat and no benefit of the extra light. This window may be better served in a communal space for the light.
Smaller square footage
This might seem fairly obvious, but a smaller square footage will minimize energy costs. Homes continue to get larger, and square footage increases. Find ways to create more usable spaces by adding patio and outdoor space and working with a designer to create more multi-purpose areas. Your home office can turn into a den for evening quiet time, a basement can double as a rec room, a storage room can become a home theatre with some creativity and sliding walls.
Choosing the right insultation for an energy efficient house
Heating and cooling bills can account for at least 50% or more of your energy consumption, and costs (source conserve-energy-future.com). Choosing the right insultation material and techniques is critical to creating an energy efficient house. Some of the best insultation materials are those you choose outside such as trees and plants to keep the sun and heat off your home. Minimizing tall ceilings and second stories, add fans where you can to create circulation, are also practical ideas to keep your home temperature manageable.
Remodeling your home to be more energy efficient
Some of the tricks and tips for building a home are hard to do with your home is already in existence. However, with some light remodeling and creativity, you can make your current home more energy efficient and see savings.
- Add insultation to ceilings, windows, walls, floors
- Swap light bulbs for energy efficient choices
- Install standby power controllers on big energy appliances (TVs, computers, etc)
- Choose eco-friendly and cost effective roofing materials next time you replace your roof
- Opt for eco-friendly materials like bamboo for your floors or recycled wallpaper for your walls
- Plant trees and green plants outside to absorb additional heat. Choose options that work for your area and require little water or maintenance
- Install a tankless water system (more below)
Saving money and adding value with water conservation and heating
Heating and cooling are often some of the biggest expenses, your water bill and consumption can also be a huge factor. The costs it takes to heat water for that perfect shower after a long day, or to get your laundry done add up over time. Even just watering your plants can add lots to water costs.
A tankless water system is a fantastic energy saving option for your home. Some of the main advantages are constant hot water, so no need to wait for more water to heat up if someone takes a long shower or the dishwasher ran. The other advantages are energy savings, compact and space savings, and operate on gas, propane, or electric.
Of course there are disadvantages too such as larger up front costs, special requirements to install for ventilation, and finding the right size. This is according to familyhandyman.com. However, if you have the money during a remodel or home build, a tankless heater is a feature many enjoy and appreciate in their home.
For those that want to go the additional mile on water savings, there are gray water systems that move water from faucets, sinks etc and move them to other uses such as watering plants or using in toilet tanks. This not only saves water but allows it to be maximized.
Appliances to help with energy efficiency and savings
Finding the right appliances and gadgets helps with saving on your electric bill. Looking for the energy star rating is just one way of ensuring you are finding the right appliances for your energy saving needs.
Other ideas include installing solar panels or even just a back up generator running on solar. Solar panel installation can be costly and difficult. There are lots of types of solar panels and many different government programs that offer incentives. Be careful of certain programs, which have had issues in the past with promising solar energy and big savings, only to surprise customers with unexpected bills and property taxes. The PACE program in many states has come under scrutiny and celebrities such as John Oliver have done reporting into this program. You can watch his segment on YouTube. We cannot say if this program is good or bad, but you should be informed before you sign up for any program and go into it with as much information as possible. It is always best to get legal advice before signing a contract.
According to Energystar.gov, these are the most efficient appliances in 3 top energy draining categories.
Laundry Machines (certain models of brands)
- LG
- Electrolux
- Bosch
- Kenmore
- See all here
Refrigerators & Freezers
Additional tips for your energy efficient house
Now you have plenty to think about for your next home project. This can all be overwhelming, so take a few tips and ideas to start slow. Perhaps install energy efficient windows or even a few light bulbs. If you are all in, take time to meet with specialists in your area to find the latest trends, companies, products and services to build your vision of an energy efficient house. Technology is constantly changing.
Looking for more home improvement projects? Check out these 11 crazy easy projects.
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