Unique Energy Efficient Home

What Is an Energy Efficient Home

The first thing to be aware of is that there are very few perfectly energy efficient homes. One such inspiring Seattle home was recently named by the U.S. Green Building Council as one of the greenest homes in the nation. That is a big honor; for both the home builder and the earth.

Why You Should Care About Energy Efficiency

Energy demands have clear adverse consequences both for the planet and wallets. A typical home throws double the amount of greenhouse gases into the earth’s atmosphere each year as an automobile does. One greenhouse gas is nitrogen oxide, which is given off by electricity producing coal-burning power plants. The big bad bully gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 pollution is caused by burning up all the fossil fuels (coal, gasoline, and oil).

If humans do not cut back on producing these gases the planet will perish. It may not be next year, it may not be in your children’s lifetime but some scientists believe that unless energy consumption is lowered the world will see extremely negative changes; such as massive floods (think half of New York City covered in water), animal extinction, and more by the middle of the next century. For more information read, Using Solar Power to Decrease Global Warming.

What A “Greenest Home in the Nation” Is Doing

The Seattle home is considered a green winner for numerous reasons such as no habitat was cleared to build it; it was built on an already existing plot. More than 90 percent of the building material debris was recycled; it was built with healthy and renewable resources, and makes efficient use of water and power sources.

Looking beyond the Seattle home; it’s possible to make a wish list of sorts if you’re looking to create your own unique energy efficient home. Some basic issues to consider when planning and building for energy efficiency include:

1. Size: This is a big issue when it comes to energy efficiency – one that most people don’t consider but should. Mega homes literally zap energy resources both in terms of human energy for building to heating and cooling systems and costs. Not always but typically it’s easier to create an energy efficient home if you build small and reasonable. If you’ve got four people in your family do you really need a three car garage, four bathrooms and seven bedrooms? Think about it.
2. Orientation: Another big issue when it comes to energy efficiency. If you’re going for a unique and efficient home you may be thinking solar power: how it works and what it can offer. Unless you orient your home correctly solar power can only do so much.
3. Building materials: Building materials count for much when it comes to energy efficiency. If you’re interesting in learning more about energy efficient materials make sure you talk with a builder who knows the ropes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a website that can match you up with a homebuilder who builds Energy Star Label homes.

Power Up A Unique Energy Efficient Home

It would take thousands and thousands of pages to discuss all the ways to improve or create energy efficiency in a home. Thus, the following are some different things to consider but by no means extensive. Follow the resources to learn more.

• Energy Star: Energy Star label is an easy way to make good choices. Energy Star products which include all sorts of building materials, windows, appliances and more are certified to be energy efficient. Always, if you have a choice choose a star sticker over not.
• Use that sunshine: Solar power is clean, green, and very energy efficient. It’s also cost effective. Solar power is renewable and you can use it so efficiently that you can cut out electric power completely.
• Windows: Window placement is very important but leaky, broken, unshaded and non-insulated windows are also bad news. The use of low-e windows can defray energy costs by as much as 30 plus percent and cooling by more than 40 percent.
• Electric lighting: Fluorescent lighting uses up to a third less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Energy timers and lighting controls also save money and power. Lighting controls include items like dimmers, motion lights, and photocell controlled. Photocell means they work by light sensor; if there’s already light they won’t turn on.
• Cool roofs: Cool roofs are light colored and reflective. In very hot climates they can cut cooling costs by deflecting the worst heat of the sun.
• Stop air leaks and insulate well: Anytime you lose air through leaks or poor insulation you increase your energy needs and lose money.
• Central air: Central air is not an effective or earth friendly energy choice but there is a way to make it more efficient. Look for a system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher.

Think for Energy Efficiency

If you really want a unique energy efficient home then stop and think. Many energy wasters are human decision based. Are you leaving the fridge open, walking out of rooms with lights on, or leaving windows open during the hottest part of the day? Do you need three televisions on at the same time or decoration lighting installed?

For more ideas on how to get an energy efficient home using the efficiency of wind energy, solar power, building techniques, and so much more check out the amazing book; The Natural House by Daniel D. Chiras.