Energy-Efficient Home Design

When you are looking at a whole home design for an energy-efficient house, it is important to consider a number of factors.  It’s difficult to make an intelligent decision without learning about the current products and technologies available.  Which products are most cost effective?  Which products will have the greatest impact on my monthly utility bill?  Which products offer benefits beyond making an energy-efficient house?  These are just a few of the questions you need to answer before making an informed decision.

Energy efficient features in new home construction are still relatively new to some home builders, and consequently some misinformation exists in the marketplace.  It’s amazing to see some builders offering energy-efficient homes, and you find out the only thing they have done is to change out a few light bulbs.  Make yourself aware about some of the different energy-efficient technologies before you talk with your builder.

Energy-Efficient Technologies

When you are looking at creating an energy-efficient house you can group the products and technologies into three categories, core, basic, and optional.  Core technologies are things you can’t easily change after the home has been constructed, such as: wall and roof design, insulation and the layout of the home.  Basic technologies like windows, doors, lighting, and appliances can play a role but typically not as great as the core technologies.  Optional technologies such as a basement, a radiant roof barrier, or solar panels, also add to your energy-efficient whole house design.

Core Technologies

• Wall Design
• Roof Design
• Insulation
• Floor Plan / Layout

Basic Technologies

• Windows
• Doors
• Appliances
• Lighting
• Heating and Cooling Systems

Optional Technologies

• Sustainable Energy
• Radiant Roof Barriers
• Basements

“For most of us a majority of our energy bill goes toward heating and cooling costs, and in some areas of the country accounts for as much as 75% of our home energy consumption.  In order for a home to be truly energy efficient we need to focus on a home’s heating and cooling, and its ability to retain a comfortable living temperature.”

Steve Leathers – Terraso, Inc.