Efficiency focused home improvement projects can save energy and money. However there are also aspects regarding how a home is initially designed that can make a noticeable difference from the start.
Whether you are thinking about building a new construction or remodeling an older one, certain design features can make efficiency easier to obtain.
Considering the actual structure of a house or building is important in understanding how to make it more energy resourceful. For instance, one example of a basic, energy minded design that is typically an inexpensive option is an environmentally manufactured home. These are pre-built constructions which are transported and placed once finished.
Most quality manufactured homes are designed to be energy efficient and economical. These are usually built to meet specific regulated codes, which includes affordable running operation. Many newer varieties have improved insulating techniques which help reduce heating and cooling costs. A great number of the materials used are increasingly derived from recycled or ecologically based materials.
In contrast, some prefabricated homes including certain older models may be thinly constructed and may not have adequately insulated walls or windows. It is important to look at how the structure is assembled and not just the outer appearance when thinking about possible issues.
In addition to the structure, there are other tricks that are easily implemented into a home’s design to increase energy effectiveness.
For example, incorporating passive solar design can make a large difference in energy consumption all year long. Integrating naturally occurring settings and regional temperatures to compliment the home’s configuration lends to less reliance on thermostats and air conditioners.
If in the pre-development or remodeling stages, consider a whole house systems methodology. This connects owners and contractors with the resources to increase energy savings by looking at the entire home’s arrangement, including the inner and outer workings as well as typical weather, site layout, and how they pertain to the building’s system as a whole. This encompasses scrutinizing all of the energy affecting factors revolving around the house.
Also, ultra-efficient home design uses all accessible natural aspects in combination with modern energy saving advances. Materials and construction processes that are environmentally responsible and will make the most of the home’s site, as well as available natural renewable resources are used. Additionally, advanced house framing techniques cuts down on unnecessary lumber use and waste in homes built with wood frames.
A Home Energy Score, a system created by the U.S. Department of Energy, can be performed to receive specific details and tips for how to improve a home’s energy effectiveness. This presents a score that reveals how efficient a particular structure is, as well as the internal heating, cooling and water set-up.
The thermal image below from the U.S. Department of Energy was captured by an energy auditor. It shows how warm air leaks out of the house through cracks in the home’s structure and windows. Areas with a heightened red appearance show where the majority of the heat loss occurs.
There are many reasonably priced design and construction methods that make the energy outcome of a structure run smarter.
Resourceful design used in combination with proper seasonal maintenance like weather proofing and landscaping that incorporates shading and sunlight considerations around the construction can further improve an entire home’s efficiency level.
Image Source: 123RF Stock Photos
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