Facts About Energy Efficient House Design

An energy efficient house design involves many factors which work in union to lessen the energy use. One factor is green house design. Green house design has a high R-value with Low U-Value.

timber clad eco-home Green houses are rather more expensive than any other energy-efficient house designs. However, even though they tend to be more expensive initially they can recoup the cost in energy savings over a fairly short period of time.

One of the most important elements of an energy efficient home is the building envelope, also called a Thermal Envelope. This serves to protect the indoor spaces from the outdoors. Envelopes are built as doors, windows, finishes, insulations, wall and roof assemblies, air or vapor membranes and weather-striping.

For instance, a standard house might have randomly installed R- fiberglass in the outer walls and R-19 on the ceilings, and that the walls and floors aren’t insulated. The same insulation constructed houses ranges from R-20 to R-30 in the walls and foundation and in the ceilings ranges from R-50 to R-70.

Air and vapor retarders can do the same activity. The design and installation depends on the climate. Wherever these are built, the water vapor condensation is a risk to the design of the house. In cold weather, the varieties of pressures can draw warm and moist indoor air to outer walls and attics.

Foundations and slabs must also be well insulated. Foundations that don’t have insulation have a poor impact on house energy consumption. In addition, appliances that provide heat like dryers, washers, heaters and freezers, are often located in basements. By cautiously insulating the foundation floor and walls of the basement, the appliances can aid in the house heating.

Some other elements to consider when planning an energy efficient home are the Windows, Passive solar design, Air Sealing, Controlled Ventilation, and Heat Recovery Ventilators.

The important thing is that you know the capabilities of your house; where to install certain energy efficient design, how and what type of design will provide the best results. A particular kind of design should be well studied before applying them in your house.

Follow Plan and Build a House