You have much to do and a lot to
consider when designing and building a new home. However, with new technology
today and the need for more energy efficient homes modern energy-savings ideas
can be integrated into house designs. This will improve comfort with overall
energy savings on your heating and cooling costs. There are some basic elements:
a well-constructed and tightly sealed thermal envelope, controlled ventilation,
properly sized, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and energy
efficient doors, windows, and appliances. Though some of these features are
expensive, there are others that many home buyers can afford.
- Thermal Envelope:
A thermal envelope is everything about the house that serves to shield the
living space from the outdoors. It includes the wall and roof assemblies,
insulation, air/vapor retarders, windows, and weatherstripping and caulking.
- Wall and
Roof Assemblies: The
majority of builders use traditional wood frame construction. With proper
construction and attention to details, this can be very energy-efficient.
Some of the available and popular energy-efficient construction methods
include the follow:
- Optimum Value Engineering (OVE):
This method uses wood only where it is most effective. This will reduce
costly wood use and saving space for insulation. The builder must be
familiar with this type of construction to ensure a structurally sound
- Structural Insulated panels
(SIPs): These sheets are generally made of plywood or oriented-strand
board (OSB) that is laminated to foam board. This foam is 4 to 8 inches
- Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF):
Houses constructed this way consist of two layers of extruded foam board
(one inside the house and one outside the house) that act as the form for a
steel-reinforced concrete center. It's the fastest technique and least
likely to have construction mistakes. Such homes are very strong and easily
exceed code requirements for areas prone to tornadoes or hurricanes.
- Insulation: An
energy efficient home has much higher insulation R-values than required by
most local building codes. Foundation walls and slabs should be as well
insulated as the living space walls.
Retarders: Water vapor
condensation is a major threat to the structure of a house, no matter what
the climate. A vapor retarder is a material or structural element that can
be used to inhibit the movement of water vapor, while an air retarder can
inhibit airflow, into and out of a house's envelope. When designing and
installing vapor retarders, it depends on a great deal on the climate and on
the chosen construction method. Any water vapor that does manage to get into
the walls or attics must be allowed to escape. You can consult your local
building codes official on the best vapor retarder method to use in your
- Weatherstripping and Caulking:
You should seal air leaks everywhere in your home to reduce energy loss.
This can reduce utility cost by as much as 50% when compared to other house
of the same type and age.
- Controlled Ventilation:
Since home energy efficient homes are tightly sealed, it needs to properly
ventilated. Ventilation devices, such as through the wall vents, may be used
in conjunction with an exhaust fan. They are more expensive to operate and
more uncomfortable to used. Therefore, this ventilation strategy is only for
arid climates. Other systems pull outside air in with a small outside duct
on the return side of the furnace.
and Cooling systems: Specifying
the correct sizes for heating and cooling systems in airtight, energy
efficient homes can be tricky. Rule of thumb sizing is often inaccurate,
resulting in wasteful operation.
There are advantages and
disadvantages in houses that incorporates all of the above elements. One
advantage is they feel more comfortable because the additional insulation keeps
the interior wall at a more comfortable and stable temperature. The indoor
humidity is also better controlled, and drafts are reduced. A tightly sealed
air/vapor retarder reduces the likelihood of moisture and air seeping through
the walls. They are also very quiet because of the extra insulation. The
disadvantages is that they cost more and take longer to build and if there's a
lack of builder familiarity with new construction techniques and products
available on the market. Also, even though the homes structure may differ only
slightly from conventional home, the builder and contractors may be unwilling to
deviate from what they've always done before. Sometimes they may need more
training if they have no experience with these systems.
Inline Duct Fan
In-Line Duct Fans
Boost airflow to selected areas
Installation is easy.
Available in 4" to 12".