Energy Efficient Housing:
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It's time we think "energy efficient housing". You work hard, practically slaving away in the office to meet the mortgage, the kids’ tuition, and utility payments. Why don’t you put your house to work as well? You have been forking over so much money for mortgage – it makes absolute sense to rig your house up so that over time, it will pay for itself. Homeowner, say hello to the concept of energy efficient housing.
An energy efficient house is not only for the tree-hugging; it is also for the practical. Turn your house into one and you can expect lower utility bills. After all, energy efficient housing is one that takes less energy and costs less money to keep and run. It reduces energy waste because it’s made to be one lean, efficient, energy-using machine. Built using environmentally friendly materials, an energy efficient house has all the construction elements that reduce pollution and improve your living space’s heating and cooling efficiency. Here are some characteristics of the typical energy efficient house a homeowner like you could surely benefit from.
1. Energy efficient homes are tightly sealed.
Weather stripping, caulks, foams, door sweeps, gaskets – an energy efficient house has all those and more! They minimize cracks and holes in the envelope. This, in turn, cuts down on drafts, moisture, and noise. It also improves indoor air quality.
2. Energy-efficient housing has properly installed insulation on the floors, walls, and attics.
Better insulation translates to even temperatures and lower utility bills. But how can homeowners make sure the house they are considering has good insulation in place? Have it checked by an independent rater! There are government guidelines and standards on insulation that must be met and the only way to verify compliance is to have the property duly rated by a qualified professional.
Energy-efficient homes are tightly sealed. Weather stripping, caulks, foams, door sweeps and gaskets reduce cracks and holes in the envelope. This minimizes drafts, moisture and noise. Also, this generally improves the indoor air quality.
3. Energy efficient housing has an efficient duct system.
Appropriately insulated, sealed ducts of ideal sizes improve energy efficiency by as much as 20 percent! Another plus of an excellent duct system is noise reduction – that, on top of minimizing bills.
4. Energy efficient housing has specially designed windows.
No, these are not hi-tech windows that come with sensors. As a matter of fact, they look like every other window except that their frames are sturdier and are made to keep the heat out in summer and in during long, cold winters. These windows also boast of coating that protects the home from damaging UV rays that can discolor your curtains, furnishings, or even the carpet.
In a nutshell, energy efficient housing provides a cost-effective solution to rising power costs and seasons that alternate between extremes. When your house is extremely effective at keeping heat out during the hottest of summers and in when it’s so cold outside you fear your ears would fall off, you keep energy costs at spectacularly low levels. You get to do your bet in helping the environment, too, whether or not you mean to.