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Is Your Dream House An Energy Efficient Home?
by Ricky Domalewska
http://www.fairbuilding.com
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.
Tight construction. This type of construction actually
helps improve energy efficiency by tightening up the air
penetrations through the home's exterior. Most of the gaps
are caused during framing. Tighter construction complete
with air sealing can create an envelope that improves air
quality and keeps outside air from affecting the inside of
the house, preventing cooling in the winter and heating in
the summer.
Improved Insulation can go a long way in enhancing energy
efficiency. It would inhibit the heat transfer through the
home, i.e. the air, remains warm during the winter and cool
during the summers. The crimps, gaps and compression are
done away with carefully installed insulation. The desired
interior temperature can be maintained without spending a
fortune on heater or air conditioner. You save a lot on
energy costs.
High performance windows. High performance windows are
coming down in cost, and even the small amount you pay
extra for these can be recovered through energy efficient
windows. After all, nearly 50% of a home's heat gain or
heat loss is a direct result of transfers through windows.
Improved materials that include double glazing and special
coatings act as insulators for the glass. You can still see
through the window, but they stop heat transfer much
better.
In addition to using high performance windows, make sure
that the window framing is tight and that materials with
low conduction are used. These materials include vinyl,
fiberglass, and wood. Metal is a good heat conductor, and
therefore not a good choice as a window frame.
Energy efficient equipment. Choose specially designed and
energy efficient equipment to heat and cool your home. Many
heating and cooling stores offer equipment that is
efficient so that you can lower your bills by using
equipment that uses less energy. Combined with carefully
building techniques, you can save a great deal of money
while promoting your comfort
Once you have taken care of the interiors, you need to give
a thought to landscaping as well. After all, building an
energy efficient home is not just about the house.
Landscaping features like thoughtfully placed trees can also
contribute to the efficiency of a home. They provide shade
over the home during the summer and can act as windbreaks
during the winter. This can help your home maintain better
energy efficiency.
Thanks to modern technology, you can have a home that is
much more energy efficient. Such homes are not only more
comfortable but environment friendly too. And, you can save
a lot of money. These measures of building and landscaping
also help improve air quality in the home by reducing
unwanted drafts.
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