Building a new home may be one of the most expensive things
you do in your lifetime, but it's important not to cut corners where energy efficiency
is concerned. You can build a home that's comfortable for you and your energy
budget with these tips.
Seal Against Air Leaks
Keep conditioned air inside your home where it belongs. Sealing against
air leaks is one of the most important things your builder can do to ensure
overall comfort and lower energy bills in your new home.
Most air leakage problems are found in the areas listed below.
Make sure your builder has identified these potential trouble spots in your
home building plan and that steps will be taken to properly seal:
Properly Size Heating & Cooling
Equipment
The size of your home's heating and cooling system is directly related to
its operating efficiency and, ultimately, to your overall comfort. A lot goes
into correct sizing, so make sure your contractor takes the following into account
when sizing your system:
heat loss/heat gain analysis
proper air leakage rate for your home (based on home size
and projected or actual efficiency performance)
solar orientation of your home
standard internal heat generation allowances (appliances
and people) and non-standard allowances for items like home offices, special
lighting or indoor hot tubs
typical average extreme winter and summer outdoor temperatures
and the normal indoor thermostat settings for these seasons
Properly Design & Seal The Duct System
All homes are not the same. The way your duct system is designed to carry
heated and cooled air through your home directly impacts your comfort. Properly
designed duct systems deliver the right amount of air to each room of your home.
Multiple return vents are recommended on each level of your home and in rooms
where there are several supply vents.
Sealing of the duct system is so important it deserves special
attention. Leaks in the duct system, even tiny ones, waste energy much like
a leaky faucet wastes water. The more air lost through duct leakage, the more
you're paying to heat and cool your home. Duct system leakage can account for
up to 30% or more of wasted energy. Furthermore, since air quality is another
important consideration, proper duct sealing also keeps dust, mold and mildew
in crawlspaces and attics from passing into your home and into your lungs. Your
contractor should permanently seal your entire duct system with mastic or UL
181 tape.
Insulate
Insulation creates a barrier between your home and the outdoor elements.
It is very important to insulate walls, attics, crawlspaces and storage areas.
The basic provisions are:
Choose Energy Efficiency Windows
Windows are beautiful additions to your home, but they can waste energy
by letting in drafts, drawing out heat in winter, and baking your home in summer.
Choose windows with good insulation values, such as double and triple-paned
windows. Some have an insulating gas (like argon) between the panes, which insulates
better than air. There are also windows with special clear coatings, called
"low-e" windows, which reflect heat. The frames and spacers between
panes should also be considered. Wood, vinyl and fiberglass are better insulators
than standard aluminum frames. New warm-edge spacers insulate better than normal
wood, vinyl or fiberglass, which can conduct condensation around the edges of
windows.
Choose Energy Efficient Lighting
Lighting can make a major impact on energy efficiency. Whether indoor or
outdoor, choose high efficiency lighting for as many applications as possible.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs in fixtures. If you're planning to install recessed
lighting, choose only those that are air-tight and Insulation Contact (IC)-rated. It's also a good
idea to make sure your HVAC contractor is aware of your lighting plans as it
can increase the requirements of your air conditioning system. Finally, consider
using automatic lighting controls in your home for optimum energy efficiency.
Consider Natural Attic Ventilation
In attics, natural ventilation is best. To keep attic heat out of your living
spaces, follow these four steps: (1) Install soffit and ridge vents and/or gable
vents in the attic. (2) Repair any leaky ductwork. (3) Seal gaps in areas where
attic spaces meet living spaces, making sure they are airtight. (4) Insulate
the ceiling to a minimum of R-49.
Seal Crawlspaces
A typical crawlspace releases twelve gallons of moisture per day. If your
new home will have a crawlspace, here are four steps to prevent moisture problems:
(1) Install gutters and slope the grade around the foundation to direct rain
away from the house. (2) Cover the crawlspace floor with a vapor barrier, overlap
seams by 1-2 feet, and seal them. Outside edges should also extend at least
6 inches above the outside grade and be sealed to the block. (3) Close vents
and seal foundation vents to eliminate warm, moist outdoor air from entering
the crawlspace. (4) Seal any ductwork in the crawlspace.
It's important to note that you should do all 4 steps to properly
seal your crawl space. If you skip a step, like putting down a vapor barrier,
then you should open your crawl space vents in spring and close them in winter.
Consider Effective Landscaping
Landscaping is another important consideration when thinking about energy
efficiency. Deciduous trees (leafy in summer, bare in winter) provide wonderful
shade for your home in summer but allow the sun to help warm your home in winter.
Plant these trees on the sides of your home that receive the most sun. Evergreens
can also provide an effective break from chilling winds in winter.
Ask About Energy Efficient Mortgages
Energy Efficient Mortgages, or EEMs, often allow new homeowners to qualify
for a larger mortgage with a lower annual income due to the energy savings expected
in homes built to high energy efficiency standards. Ask your real estate professional
or mortgage lender about EEMs.
