Energy efficiency is an important factor of any modern construction project. Builders have a responsibility to ensure that their buildings are as energy efficient as possible and, at Stattonrock Design + Build, we take this responsibility seriously and get pretty excited about innovations in the world of energy efficiency. We love sharing news with our clients about how to build an energy efficient home, and every custom home we build features energy efficient technologies and building practices.
Building an Energy Efficient Home
Building an energy efficient home is about more than simply using efficient appliances. Every product used in the building procedure has an effect on the energy efficiency of the finished home. In fact, the appliances and other mechanical components used in a house have a much lower impact on the home’s energy consumption than the construction itself. Some of the most important factors of an energy efficient home include:
The Insulation Value of the Home
The types of building materials that a home uses can greatly affect how much energy is needed to heat and cool the home. The insulation, siding, and even the type of foundation can make a difference in how well the home retains its temperature.
How Well-Sealed the Home Is
Reducing air changes per hour inside the home makes a huge difference in how energy efficient a home is. HVAC systems are one of the biggest drains on any home’s energy, so it can be a major problem for energy efficiency if air is leaking outside. Getting windows and doors and an efficient ventilation system can help to tighten up the home’s air circuits.
Overall Home Design
Home design is key to ensuring energy efficiency. Knowing how to deal with large, open spaces or closed off rooms and the flow of air and heat between them can make or break an energy efficiency plan. Using an integrated design process that allows the homebuilder to work with subtrades that offer energy efficient products as part of their work can help to ensure that all plumbing fixtures, electrical components (such as light fixtures), and other home features are as effective with energy consumption as possible.
The Type of HVAC System
The world of heating for new residential building is moving farther and farther away from gas-fired systems. Although gas heat certainly consumes less electricity, the energy used is non-renewable and releases much more greenhouse gas into the atmosphere than homes with electrical heat systems. Electric heat pumps are the way to go for long-term energy efficiency.
If you are interested in finding out more about how to build an energy efficient home, or to find out more about the services offered by Stattonrock Design + Build, please contact us and we will be sure to get back to you with the information you need.