How to Build Energy Efficient Homes (& Why)
An energy efficient home is always a valuable investment, both for a smart economical living and year-round savings on utility bills. Whether during the construction of a new building or the extension/alteration of an existing property, it’s worth your time to consider integrating energy efficient plans, as you can save between 60-70% on energy consumption.
Improving your house’s energy efficiency is a great way to adopt a better, smarter lifestyle.
Effective steps to build an energy efficient home
Since energy bills will only rise with time, making your house energy efficient is a great idea in long run. Here are some key steps to consider when building an energy efficient home.
1. Follow the structural requirements of an energy efficient house
Your house’s orientation, location, measurement of natural energy supply, thermal mass incorporation, proper level of insulation, window sizes for ventilation and the textures/materials of your building are some of the key factors which determine its energy efficiency.
For a new house, try to find the most convenient neighbourhood with nearby places to run errands and conserve transportation energy. Make sure your home gets the benefits of natural light and a ready air supply.
House construction materials should be made from eco-friendly, non-depleting resources wherever possible.
When designing your house, pay attention to insulation. Depending on changes of weather or climate in your area, get your home insulated to save on energy bills instead of turning up the thermostat.
Heat recovery should be another critical part of any energy efficient building design. Technologies like waste water heat recovery and flue gas heat recovery should be installed when the building is under construction or renovation.
2. Go for a professional energy assessment service
To increase energy efficiency cheaply, a professional system of evaluation and consultation is a must. For the most reliable energy rating assessment in Australia, sign up for Superior Energy Rating and get the best thermal assessment service and performance certification for your new house or the building you’re renovating.
The 6 Star Energy Rating is the standard energy rating assessment set by the government.
You should have a rigorous quality check of your house floors, roof, walls and windows. Accredited energy auditory service Superior Energy Rating provides room to room inspection of your residence, examination of previous utility bills and elaborative thermographic scanning with infiltration measurement techniques.
3. Select energy efficient home appliances
Consulting with accredited auditors, you should incorporate eco-friendly and energy conserving domestic appliances that will help to reduce the use of natural resources like oil, coal, natural gas etc.
The importance of 6-star energy rating
Residences with a higher energy rating consume less resources and are more cost-effective. Taking energy efficient measures, like ensuring a 6 Star energy rating in your house, reduces up to 50% net use of electricity and natural gas.
From the year of 2010, a minimum 6-star energy rating has been set as a requirement by The National Construction Code of Australia (NCC). Therefore, it’s essential to have a thorough energy rating assessment of your house and take steps accordingly.
To ensure your house is the most energy efficient it can be, you need to follow a systematic set of assessments and steps. But that alone is not going to make your house energy efficient. In recent reports, it is estimated that most of the Australian families spend a significant portion of money on electrical house appliances they don’t use. Some of the electric devices in modern houses are left unused for hours without being shut down.
Superior Energy Rating is one of the most reliable 6 Star energy rating auditors in Australia and they can guide you through the necessary steps to make your house more energy efficient. To build a 6 Star energy rated house, don’t forget to get a quote from us.
