So let’s say that you are planning on building a home and you are wondering what you can do to make your home the most energy efficient. What are some of the things that you need to take into account when planning for a more energy efficient home? You want to have a green home but you do not know where to start.
Here are a few tips that you can use when you are planning your green energy efficient home.
The first thing that you need to ask yourself is whether your initiative to go green is because you want to save money or because you want to save the planet. I know this sounds like a dumb question but if you are trying to go green simply because you want to save money then you may want to think about different traditional alternatives. Going green can typically save you money in the long run but the upfront cost may be prohibitive to some. If you are wanting to go green because you want to save the planet and you do not care what it costs you then thanks for helping out the rest of us!
The next thing to consider about building a green home is where you are going to be building the home. In some states there are incentives to using energy efficient materials such as energy efficient windows and appliances. Another factor to take into consideration are the utility rates that you will be paying where you build your home. Often times co-ops have lower rates than municipalities. Also, large energy companies can have cheaper rates and also offer rebates on things like geothermal heat pumps.
Planning is important in the building stages of your green home. You want to make sure that you have the proper amount of insulation in your home. It does not cost much more at this point to add more insulation than is recommended and it will save you in the future. Also, be aware of your eaves and overhangs.
If you are trying to build a green home one of the things that you need to be aware of is that the most expensive appliance in your home is typically your heating and air system. If you can plan ahead and put in extra insulation and plan so that you have no direct sunlight coming into your home during the day in the summer and have direct sunlight coming in during the winter your heat and air will not need to come on and off as often to keep you comfortable.
Green appliances are also a must. Get the highest SEER heating and cooling system that you can afford. Which leads to my next recommendation. Currently for most people it is cheaper to heat, cook and heat water with gas. This may vary depending on your location. If you can put in gas it would be to your advantage.
Another option is out there for heating your home. It is called a water stove and they are becoming very popular. Heating your home and your water can be upwards of more than 2/3 of your power bill. If you have access to cheap or free wood to burn and do not mind a little elbow grease this is a very good way to heat your home and your water.
Water stoves are basically boilers that heat water. They then use a heat exchanger to transfer that heat to the water. Finally, the hot water flows to your hot water tank and heats your home. They are typically installed away from the home because of the smoke and lines are run into the house.
Another thing that you can do to keep sun off of your house is to plant plants that have large leaves that provide good shade. This helps especially on the west side of the house to keep the hot setting sun off of the house.
Which reminds me that you want to make sure that you have south facing windows. These windows will allow sunlight in all year long without the sunlight being too direct.