Building an Energy-Efficient House
PrintThere is no one template for an energy-efficient house. The needs depend on where in the world the house is located. The requirements for a temperate climate, with wide swings in temperature throughout the year, are very different from those for a hot dry climate, which may cool sharply at night, or a hot humid climate, which has very little temperature change from day to night.
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Photo courtesy of Gil Schalom Design, Architecture and Green Building Advice Even with a limited budget, significant energy savings can be built into a new home. Passive solar design, super insulation, use of recycled materials, and efficient appliances help cut down energy use. |
That said, one thing remains the same all over for energy efficiency: siting of the house. The goal is to maximize the Sun's heating effect in the winter months and to minimize it during the summer. To do this the house should be rectangular but as compact as possible. The longest wall of the house should be full of windows and facing the equator; in the Northern Hemisphere this wall would face south, and in the Southern Hemisphere the orientation would be reversed. Closer to the equator, the number and size of windows will be reduced.
Another factor to consider in choosing a site for a house is wind. In cool and temperate climates the wind can significantly affect energy efficiency. To counteract this, hills may provide protection, and trees can be used as windbreaks. In hot climates the wind is an important cooling factor. Houses should be positioned to take maximum advantage of breezes, while construction features and trees may be used to channel them into the house.
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Photo © Kendy Slade, Dave Powell, GreenBuilderVermont.com Even traditional-looking homes can be energy efficient. This south-facing home in Vermont includes masonry floors to absorb heat from the Sun, as well as extra insulation and thermal windows. |
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Once the house is positioned on the lot, the next consideration is the structure of the house. Builders refer to the actual structure of a house as the “building envelope.” The walls, roof, windows, and doors are what separate indoors from outdoors and control the flow of energy into and out of the house. Different climates require different design strategies and different materials. Another consideration is the typical material for a region, and what would be a good option for energy efficiency. In addition, most people will want a house that fits the style of the region they live in. All these factors must mesh with the energy-efficiency requirements.
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