What You Should Know about Improving Your Energy Efficiency?
Did you know with the right design knowledge, you can save energy, water and money, when building your home? All new homes in Australia are now required to comply with the 6 Star requirement in the National Construction Code. The more stars your design receives, the more energy efficient your home will be and the less impact it has on our environment. Learn the easy ways on how to make your new home more energy efficient.
Block Orientation
Your blocks shape and orientation will affect your home design, therefore a custom builder is the best solution when considering your homes energy efficiency. A south facing block in Perth will allow you to take advantage of the winter sun to the private living spaces of the residence, keeping these rooms warm, light and bright.
If your residence has a view, this will usually take priority in your design process, but it’s important to tailor your design to suit your blocks location as well keeping your energy rating requirement costs to a minimum. A custom design will allow you to make the most of your natural light.
Double Glazing
Windows and doors don’t just provide natural light and airflow into your home, they can also can help minimise your reliance on artificial heating and cooling. Double glazed glass provides insulation properties that will keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter by limiting the hot or cold airflow between the two panes.
Double-glazed products will also absorb more sound energy than standard single-glazed products due to the gap between the glass panes, making your home even more comfortable, all year-round.
Solar Panels
There’s no doubt the sun in Australia is a powerful energy source, so harnessing this power by installing solar panels can make a significant difference to the electricity usage in your home. Among all the benefits of solar panels, solar energy is a renewable energy source making it a great option to increase your energy efficiency.
Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. The size of the solar system and your electricity usage will determine how much you can save.
Reverse Cycle Air conditioning
The one word you’ll associate with a reverse cycle air-con is efficient. They are efficient in terms of energy use, efficient in cost over time, efficient in heating and efficient in cooling. Conventional heaters have to ‘create’ heat energy, while a reverse cycle system ‘absorbs’ heat from the outdoor air to warm the air inside.
You will use your reverse cycle air conditioner to cool your home in summer, and warm your home in winter, all with one energy-efficient unit, making this appliance a great investment when it comes to your comfort and health.
Skylight
A skylight is a great way to provide your home with both natural light and ventilation. Skylights installed in the proper place in your home can provide indirect solar energy and a skylight on the northern side of your house can provide cool, indirect sunlight.
You also might consider a venting skylight to provide fresh air to your home and to help with natural cooling through venting in summer months. Natural light is also a big selling point for homebuyers and can increase your home’ s value when it comes time to sell.
