The Clean Boot Blog

While energy efficient homes may sound like a buzz word to many, the fact is, they should be a key consideration of present-day homeowners. Energy costs are escalating at an alarming rate. But the good news is, you can enjoy a more comfortable living space if you opt for minimalist home architecture and design.

With proper planning, homeowners not only can save a lot of money but can also indulge in energy-efficient elements of design.

These 10 tips will help you build your dream home that is cost comparable to a traditional home.

1. Smart Architecture

Energy efficient homes start with smart design and architecture. Builders should be acquainted with all the perquisites involved in designing a fully energy-efficient home. There are numerous design specifications in which builders should communicate with the designer to ensure these important details are not overlooked.

2. Use Energy Modeling Software

Energy modeling software should be used during the design stage to ensure that the objective of the energy-efficient home can be accomplished while controlling the costs. Subject to the results, the design elements can be resolved or revised to offset building performance and the cost of construction.

3. Control Leakage

The impact of leakage can be truly drastic if you want to build a real energy efficient home. Energy efficient homes must have appropriate air sealing mechanisms in order to curtail the overall heating cost of the building. Luckily, there are several air sealing options available on the market that work on ‘build tight, ventilate right’ principle. Just be certain to select an option that perfectly aligns with your climate and budget.

4. Insulate

Once you have communicated your requirements regarding the leakage and ventilation, it is the time to consider insulating options. By using energy modeling software, you can adequately optimize the insulation levels of different areas including walls and floors.

5. Control Overall Heat Gain or Loss

Besides insulating your ceiling, walls, and floors, it’s also crucial to consider insulating the doors and the windows. This way, you can easily control the overall heat gain or loss within your home. Selecting the right doors and windows is the key. Also, make sure to install them in the right spots as it may greatly influence energy consumption.

6. Install Energy-Efficient Water Heating System

After heating and cooling, water heating is certainly the biggest expense in conventional homes. This is where efficient water heating technology comes to your rescue. Designers and builders should work in collaboration with each other to find out the right solution that is both functional and power efficient.

7. Use Solar Energy to Reduce Heating Costs

The Sun is obviously one of the best natural resources which if used correctly can help you save a lot in terms of heating costs. In summer, you can conceal those windows to lower cooling costs. The purpose of solar tempering is to increase the passive use of solar energy, without paying the additional cost of thermal mass required to attain optimum passive solar heat.

8. Install Energy Efficient Ventilation Systems

Since energy efficient homes are sealed tightly, a continuous source of fresh air is important to its success. Thanks to the innovative home design and architecture, energy-efficient homes tend to be more comfortable and temperature-controlled than conventional homes. Make sure to install a high efficiency ventilation systems to effectively recover energy and eliminate stale air.

9. Choose Lightning Carefully

There is no denying the fact that a well-lit home lets you perform your tasks well. Also, it adds an element of security to your house. Thus reducing energy consumption, while maximizing light is the biggest challenge for the designers. Choose energy-efficient lightning solutions such as LEDs as they are more energy efficient than Compact florescent Lamps and also last longer than other commercially available alternates.

10. Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Appliances

Did you know in a conventional home, just 40% of energy use is from the heating or cooling systems, and the remaining 60% accounts for electronic appliances? Hence, selecting energy efficient electronic appliances is essential if you’re really looking forward to building a 100% smart home for yourself. With the emergence of inverter technology, luckily you can now save a lot in terms of electricity usage.

We are living in an era where power-efficient homes aren’t an option but an ultimate necessity. Take a hint from these simple tips to construct the home of your dreams that is energy efficient. Taking into account the local climate and geography and improving accordingly with the right set of energy-saving strategies will help you save a lot in the long run.