Four Important Elements in Energy-Efficient Home Design
24 February 2022News.com reports that Australian homeowners spend more than $9 billion a year on home renovations, most of which are energy-efficient upgrades. Therefore, one of the most notable features that new property owners look for when designing new homes is energy-efficient design elements and appliances. So, each new home design should incorporate specific details to ensure energy efficiency. Homeowners and designers should pay attention to the following four areas.
Natural Lighting Design Efficiency
Houses designed to be energy efficient must adopt lighting design principles and consider site constraints. Standard floor plans fail to consider factors such as site orientation to natural light, site shape, property slope, existing trees, and local climate. Depending on the site and weather, a professional building designer can advise the best design and orientation, window location, and design for a more energy-efficient home.
Insulation
The minimum R level required by building regulations is insufficient to insulate a new home properly. You spend less money on heating and cooling when you have adequate insulation in your home. Insulation makes your home comfortable both in summer and winter. When building an energy-efficient home, make sure your roof, walls, and structures are well insulated.
Renewable Energy
Approximately 50% of the energy used in households in Australia comes from electricity and natural gas. Sadly, this also accounts for more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. When we talk about electricity, we are talking about fossil fuels. Hence, a home that is more energy-efficient produces fewer emissions.
The new home can harness natural energy in either a grid-connected or stand-alone setting by installing a renewable energy system. Low-cost home features like this can lower or eliminate electricity bills.
Heating and Cooling Appliances
Homeowners in Australia combat the extreme heat and cold with artificial heating and cooling systems. This climate control can account for as much as 50% of the home’s energy consumption. When installing heaters and air conditioners with a high energy star rating, you can save as much as 15% on energy costs.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Energy savings are also a result of well-designed lighting. New home design strategies should include LED lighting designs, including features such as switches and controls, safety requirements, and life cycle costs. By installing LED lighting fixtures, homes can reduce their energy consumption by 80%. Plus, LED light fixtures to have a lifespan about 4 times longer than standard light fixtures.
It is recommended that an energy-efficient home build be designed to meet and even exceed the minimum requirements set out by LEED and lgCC. LEED is the Leadership in Energy, and Environmental Design and lgCC is the International Green Construction Code. To create the most energy-efficient Aussie homes you need to have a collaborative effort between the homeowners and the home designer so that all energy-efficient features are considered.
References:
https://www.energymagazine.com.au/energy-efficiency-increasing-in-australian-homes/
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