Create An Energy Efficient Home

With the growing rise in energy costs, as well as the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and over-use of our natural resources, it makes sense to make your home as energy efficient as possible.

Whether you are building a new house, or taking steps to *green* your current home, there's lots you can do!

Some of your choices will depend on the type of climate in which you live. Do you need to lessen or enhance the sun's impact? Do you need to ensure the option to do both, as you experience cold winters, but also hot summers?

• If building an energy efficient new house, research and plan to position your house in the most appropriate position. Consider the positioning of large expanses of windows. Also take into account other nearby structures and vegetation- will they help protect or obstruct your home? Is there likely to be any other construction in the near future which will affect you?
  
• Choose double glazed windows to cut down on heat/cool transfer with the outside.
  
• Dress windows with thick curtains, which can be drawn back to reveal light netting curtains, so that you are suited for any occasion.
  
• Install an enclosed top pelmet above your windows.
  
• Outdoor blinds and awnings will help keep out summer sun.
  
• Install well fitting doors, and create areas which can be closed off, so that you can run heating or cooling only in the areas you are currently using. Put *door snakes* at the bottom of doors to stop air leakage.
  
• Plant trees, creepers or shade cloth pergolas to help cut down the sun. If you wish to allow winter sun, choose a deciduous tree, or removable shade cloth.
  
• Install insulation your ceiling and walls if possible- plus even floor insulation may be possible.
  
• Also, insulate your air conditioning ducts and hot water pipes.
  
• Research the cheapest and most energy efficient forms of heating and cooling for your climate and situation.
  
• Install energy efficient appliances.
  
• Install energy efficient lighting.
  
• Have lighting where you need it, so you don't have to run brighter lights or more lights to get light to where you want it.
  
• Install water saving shower heads.
  
• Only operate appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with a full load, or choose a low water setting. Wash clothes in cold water where possible.
  
• Install rainwater tanks.
  
• Install a grey water system.
  
• Plant drought tolerant plants and lawns- if you must have a lawn.
  
• Mulch plants well.
  
• Create directed run off from paved areas into your garden.
• Hydronic heating and cooling throughout your home.
  

Putting some thought and planning into the energy efficiency of your home will have ongoing benefits to you in terms of comfort and expenditure... and give a lasting legacy to the environment.