Building an Energy Efficient Home

By: Ricky Domalewska

The next big problem that's going to hit people is the cost of energy. It is already skyrocketing and burdening our wallets. However, the idea of energy efficient home comes as a rescuer in this regard. It not only has a good effect on the environment but also helps you mend the big hole in the pocket. You can actually save big bucks that you spend on heating and cooling costs by following a few simple building and landscaping guidelines for an energy efficient home.

Think of tight construction. It helps improve energy efficiency by tightening up the air penetrations through the home's exterior. Since most of the gaps are caused during framing, tighter construction with air sealing can create an envelope that improves air quality and keeps outside air from affecting the inside of the house. Thus it prevents cooling in winter and heating in summer.

Improved insulation. Increased insulation inhibits heat transfer through the home. Carefully installed insulation that is free of crimping, gaps, and compression can help keep warm air in during winter months and cool air in during the summer. When you keep the house from losing desired temperature, the heater or air conditioner is needed much less, and that saves you money in energy costs.

Maximum amount of heat exchange between home interiors and exteriors is through windows. To avoid heat loss or gain through windows you can get high performance windows installed. Though they may sound like a high cost right now they surely are a wise investment considering the fact that they save a lot on energy costs in the long run. Double glazing and special coatings act as glass insulators. These improved materials make a true high performance, energy efficient window. They do not affect the visibility in any way; just inhibit unwanted heat transfer through the window.

Apart from using high performance windows, make sure that the window framing is tight. So, use materials with low conduction, such as vinyl, fiberglass, and wood. It is not advisable to use metal for a window frame since it is a good heat conductor.

Combine the latest energy efficient building techniques with installation of energy efficient equipments in your home. These heat or cool your home interiors efficiently without consuming too much energy. They save on energy costs. Many heating and cooling system companies offer energy efficient equipment that help you lower your energy consumption bills. It is not difficult to accentuate your comforts and save money at the same time.

Landscaping is a very important part of building a perfect house. Landscaping features like trees can go a long way on making your house energy efficient. Trees provide shade and cool sorroundings in summers and block chilly winds in winters. Though fully planted trees act as natural air conditioners they can actually help you save a lot on energy costs.

With today's technology and capabilities, it is very possible to have a home that is much more energy efficient. Building energy efficient homes helps them become more environmentally friendly, and it also encourages greater comfort at home. Additionally, it can save a great deal of money in energy costs. Air quality in the home is improved by some of these measures, and unwanted drafts can be reduced by measures in building and landscaping that keep the home energy efficient.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Ricky Domalewska is the chief writer for, and editor of Fair Building, there's a wealth of knowledge on the website, plus why not sign up for the free Building newsletter. For more quality articles on Building why not visit: www.fairbuilding.com/articles
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