While recycled concrete countertops, low-flow toilets, and sustainable wood wall panels are all characteristics of an eco-friendly house, the most important aspect of a green home is energy efficiency. Installing solar panels and harnessing wind energy are ideals, but there are more inexpensive, practical ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Making sure you have excellent insulation, utilizing smart design wherever possible, and phasing out conventional appliances for Energy Star models are all great home energy efficiency tips. Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money by making your home more energy efficient.
An Eco-Friendly House is Well-Insulated
Keeping cool air in and warm air out in the summer, and cool air out and warm air in during the winter are two of the most important steps towards reducing energy use and living in a green home. How is this done? By sealing the envelope of the house. To make your home more energy efficient you can do the following to improve the insulation:
- Check for drafts and potential air leakages around doors and windows, in the attic and basement, and throughout the home. Seal as appropriate with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping.
- Evaluate your home insulation. Does it need to be replaced, enhanced, or installed properly? The R-value represents the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. Check with the Energy Star map on recommended insulation levels and make sure your home has the most cost-effective level.
- Switch to energy efficient windows. While this does involve some expense initially, upgrading to high performance windows can be really beneficial for reducing utility bills and energy use.
Home Design Energy Efficiency Tips
A simple yet highly effective way to make a home more energy efficient is to use passive solar heat. This involves the use of the sun's rays to provide both heat and light for a home. For a new home, this can be done through design – windows can be incorporated into south-facing walls. This will allow for heat to penetrate the windows and enter the home while the sun is low in the sky. In the summer these windows can be shaded with curtains or an awning outside. For older homes, it is also useful to simply have more windows added to the south side. This is called sun-tempering.
Adding thermal mass to the home can improve the warming effect of passive solar heating. Materials such as brick, concrete, adobe, and tile have a good capacity for capturing and holding warmth. If adding new structural pieces consider using these materials.
To keep the house cool in the summer, there is a very simple technique which can be used to make your home more energy efficient. Plant trees! While during the winter, especially in cooler climates, solar heat gain is desired, the reverse is true in warmer months and climates. Shade trees help by absorbing some of the solar heat before it reaches the home. With enough soil moisture the foliage of these trees can even lower the air temperature though evapotranspiration.
In cooler climates there is the added benefit of wind protection during the winter. If passive solar heating is used during the summer, do not plant trees for shade on the south side of the home.
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with Energy Star
Complete home energy efficiency also entails energy efficient appliances. While it does cost some money to purchase a new front-loading washing machine or Energy Star air conditioner, the savings in both home energy use and utility bills make the initial cost worth it. Also, you can check with Energy Star for available rebates and tax credits when you buy new eco-friendly models.
Try these simple ways to make your home more energy efficient and cost-effective. Start with one or two changes, such as upgrading to an efficient refrigerator and freezer, planting a couple shade trees, and having a professional find and seal air leakages. Then install more windows in the south wall and add insulation to the attic when you can afford to. With each change energy bills will decrease and so will your family's carbon footprint.
References
" Passive Solar Design." (New Mexico Solar Energy Association)
McPherson, Gregory and James R. Simpsom. "Shade Trees as a Demand-Side Resource." (Home Energy Magazine Online, March and April 1995).
"Landscape Shading." (US Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
Join the Conversation