When you’re building a new home it’s the best time to incorporate energy efficient features that will make your home more comfortable, save you money, and create a sustainable home that is environmentally-friendly.
You can make changes retrospectively, but it is much easier and more cost effective to do when you’re designing and building a new home. Kurmond Homes can provide advice about the best energy saving options when we are designing your new home.
Put simply, energy efficiency refers to using a smaller amount of energy to obtain the same or even greater output. In many cases, energy-efficient products will cost a bit more money upfront, but over time will save more on ongoing costs, and that’s good news with energy prices rising.
These ideas are just some of the many ways you can increase energy efficiency in your new home.
Orientation and ventilation
By positioning your home to take advantage of sun and shade throughout the year, you will make your home more comfortable to live in and make it energy efficient. The rooms you spend most time in, like your living space should ideally face north to catch the light and warmth of the sun.
Ventilation is another key consideration when assessing the comfort level of your home. Ideally you want to take advantage of the heat from the sun and cooling breezes to ventilate your home, regulating the temperature all year round, and saving on heating and cooling costs.
Consider solar panels
By installing renewable energy systems that harness naturally generated energy you will lower your running costs and reduce or even eliminate electricity bills. Putting solar panels on your roof provides the most cost-effective form of renewable energy for a home. They have the potential to power all the energy needs of a home including lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances and hot water.
Install Insulation
Effective insulation is one of the most crucial elements to home energy efficiency. By insulating your ceiling and walls you will reduce the amount of heat entering your home in summer and keep the warmth in during the cooler months.
When insulation is installed correctly, it contributes to a reduction in the energy your home uses through heating and cooling. It helps maintain a more comfortable and efficient home in all seasons.
At Kurmond Homes, we provide advice about the best insulation for your new home and install it as part of the building process.
Energy efficient lighting and appliances
Efficient and well-designed lighting provides significant energy savings. At Kurmond Homes we not only ensure your home is fitted with energy efficient lighting, we also design the layout of our homes to maximise daylight so artificial lighting is rarely required during the day.
Our designs also incorporate the most energy efficient lights like LED globes and efficient light switches and controls. For example, LED downlights can use up to 85 per cent less energy than older technologies and have double the lifespan.
Using energy-efficient appliances can also reduce your home’s energy use and emit less air pollution. All reputable home appliances come with energy-efficient star ratings. The higher the star rating, the more efficient the appliance will be over its lifetime.
Window coverings and glazing
Glass is a poor insulator and heat transfers through it, both heat escaping in winter and heat entering in summer. By using double-glazing (two panels of glass in a sealed unit separated by a layer of air) you enhance your home’s heat retaining and repelling qualities. It’s also important to ensure your windows are airtight when closed.
Window coverings can also play a role in energy efficient homes. Effective blinds or curtains can minimise the loss of energy, help regulate temperatures, and in turn lower your energy bills.
How can Kurmond Homes help build an energy efficient home?
Kurmond Homes can provide advice about incorporating energy efficient features in your new home.
Building a new home is a major commitment, and it’s good to have an experienced, dependable team like Kurmond by your side. Our objective is always to make building a new home a smooth and pain-free process.
To discover more about building your energy-efficient dream home with Kurmond Homes, please contact us today or visit one of our display homes.
