Whether your motivation is saving the planet by reducing the effects of global warming, or saving money by reducing your energy consumption, there are so many ways that we can easily become more energy efficient in our homes.
If you are still in the planning stages of your home, there are several things to consider before the build, which may help you increase energy efficiency and therefore reduce costs at a later date.
The Aspect
Consider the rooms that you plan to spend most of the time in. Living spaces and lounges for example. These rooms would be best allocated to the north facing side of the house, where they will be exposed to more sun light, reducing the need to turn on lights and heating. Bedrooms are best situated on the southern side, for a cooler more comfortable environment to sleep.
Space Design
Open plan living may seem very appealing when you watch the home renovation shows, it can actually be a lot less attractive when trying to heat or cool the area. Getting a large space to the optimum temperature can work out very expensive. If you want to keep the costs down, it may be worthwhile incorporating an enclosed space in your plans.
Zoning
Grouping similar rooms together, such as bedrooms in 1 zone and living space in another, will allow you to heat and cool your home by zone. For example in the evening you wouldn’t want to cool the living areas if everyone was in bed, so you can select only to cool or heat the bedrooms.
Electrician
A professional electrician will suggest energy-efficient lights, high-quality wires and other electrical devices. An electrician will also do the proper electrical wiring work in your home. An electrician can save your power bill by installing the right and needful switches and lights in your home. so find out a licensed, certified and also look into Insurance for Electricians.
Materials
Dense materials such as stone, concrete or brick can not only provide protection from the elements, but if used effectively, can provide enough thermal mass to absorb and keep heat throughout winter.
If you are in a sun rich climate you may choose a metal roof. This will reflect the sunlight keeping the internal temperature down. Lightweight materials and elevated flooring can also aid in keeping the home cool
Glass can be striking in a home and large windows can create the feeling of a more expansive space. If you are fortunate enough to have a spectacular surrounding, you may wish to have it flooding in at every opportunity, but be aware that this can have a dramatic effect on the temperature of your home and energy bill. Of course, if you have sweeping ocean views, you are unlikely to have smaller windows in order to reduce your energy bills, but you may wish to consider a more energy efficient window solution.
Insulation
Ceiling and wall insulation is a very effective way to decrease energy consumption as it reduces the need for appliances such as heater and air conditioners. This is most easily inserted during the house build but there are various solutions to consider if you home already exists.
Appliances
Choosing the correct appliance is probably one of the easiest ways that we can save money and energy.
In its bid to help the consumer make environmentally conscious decisions regarding energy usage the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy developed a program that promotes energy efficiency.
The Energy Star label was founded in 1992 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that were being created through lack of energy efficiency.
The rating allows consumers to research the most energy efficient appliances from building materials and house hold goods to commercial equipment and power supplies.
Using Energy Star products you can get unbiased and credible advice to make a well informed decision on all your future household appliances.
Studies have also found that ENERGY STAR certified buildings command a premium of up to 16 percent for sales prices and rental rates.
So even if you aren’t yet motivated to live a greener life for the benefit of the planet, living greener can still add value to your family budget and your home.
