5 Tips To Build An Energy Efficient Home

Sustainability: it is the modern keyword for homebuilding. But it can also be a little hard to plan your homebuilding project around sustainability.

Luckily, we have a lot of experience in this area! And one thing we have realised is that an energy efficient home is a sustainable home. So what does it take to build an energy efficient home? Well, that depends on a few things. For example, you will need to consider the block of land you have built on, the weather conditions, and the size of your home. To help you plan around these factors, we have listed our five favourite tips for building an energy efficient home.

#1 Choosing the right hot water system will help you create an energy efficient home

Every house needs a hot water system. But heating your water can be a large source of your home’s energy consumption. However, that doesn’t always need to be the case. By choosing the right variety of hot water system, you can actually minimise the amount of energy you consume. For example, solar or natural gas hot water systems tend to consume less energy than some electric hot water systems. To make sure you make the right choice, try having a look at a broad spectrum of options. It’s also worth asking some experts.

#2 Working with the aspect of your block can improve livability and make an energy efficient home

Has this tip left you wondering how the aspect of your block can affect energy consumption? If so, you’re not alone! A lot of people aren’t familiar with the true extent to which a home’s aspect can influence its energy consumption. But, believe it or not, the direction your home faces is very important. For instance if your living spaces have a westerly aspect, you will probably need to run your air conditioner in the afternoon to counter the heat of that direct afternoon sunlight. But if you have a north-facing living area, that won’t be so much of a problem. This is called passive solar design, and it’s a useful tool for creating an energy efficient home.

#3 Spending a little more on appliances can help you get the energy-efficient models

Now let’s take a look at appliances. The appliances you choose during your homebuilding project will probably be the largest factor in your energy consumption. That’s why it is so important to choose the most energy-efficient models you can. So we recommend budgeting for your appliance and selecting the most energy efficient models in that range.

#4 Insulation is a great tool to help you build an energy efficient home

Seasonal changes in the temperature mean that we are almost always heating or cooling our homes. If you’re anything like us, you will probably be aiming for that 20 to 25-degree range. But this can have a profound effect on the amount of energy you consume. Luckily, there’s a solution: insulation. Insulation is vital for creating an energy efficient home. It prevents your home from becoming too hot or too cold as the seasons change. It also makes it easier for your air conditioner to cool your home in summer.

#5 In Queensland, capitalising on natural breezes is important for making an energy efficient home

Finally, we have one more tip: make the most of those breezes! This tip really comes back to working with the aspect of your house again. If you design your home to open up and catch the breeze during summer, you won’t have to rely so heavily on fans and air conditioners. It might not seem like much, but it is actually one of the best ways to build an energy efficient home in Queensland. And if you work with an experienced local homebuilder, coming up with the perfect design will be easy!