Modern housing requires cost effectiveness and energy efficiency in terms of functionality and maintenance. This is comes from the growing burden on natural resources and the environment which is partly due to housing development. As more people become aware of this situation, there will be a need for energy efficient houses.

An energy efficient house is designed to incorporate features and technologies that reduce energy consumption and lower the overall cost of operating a home. There are many ways to design an energy efficient house, and the exact strategies adopted in design mainly depend on the needs of the homeowner as well as environment factors such the local climate.

Advantages of energy efficient houses

Before we look at how to design an energy efficient houses, lets look at some of their benefits below:

• Reduced energy bills: Energy efficient houses need less energy to heat, cool, and light the home. The energy bills are therefore significantly lower for these kinds of houses.

• Increased comfort: Energy efficient houses are often more comfortable to live in because they are well insulated and use natural energy to maintain the room temperature.

• Improved air quality: Natural ventilation is one of the key things in the design of energy efficient houses, and it helps to improve indoor air quality as well as reduction in mechanical ventilation system requirements.
• Enhanced durability: Energy efficient houses have lower maintenance costs due to better insulation and protection from weather-related damage.
• Greater sustainability: Energy efficient houses use less resources ,and produce less greenhouse gases which makes them more environmentally friendly.

Principles in design of an energy efficient house

When designing a house of energy efficiency, it is important to adopt strategies that best suit the location of the home. For example, the approach used to design an energy efficient house in the cold regions of Sweden differs from that used for a house located in the hot deserts of Egypt. The following are some general principles on the design of energy efficient houses.

1. Use natural energy resources: By using passive solar and natural ventilation to heat, cool, and light a home, the energy consumption of the house can be brought down significantly.
2. Use energy-efficient appliances: High-efficiency heating and cooling systems and LED lights can help reduce the energy required for operation, and hence reducing the overall cost of the home.
3. Improve on insulation and airtightness: With proper insulation and sealing, heat losses in winter and heat gains in summer can be avoided. This helps to lower the energy requirements for in house temperature control.
4. Use some renewable energy technologies: Using renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to power a home can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, and help to lower the carbon footprint of the home.
5. Consider a holistic approach: In order to design an energy efficient house, it is important consider a wide range of factors and strategies aimed at achieving comfort, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For example, using recycled materials ,such as green concrete, can help reduce the carbon footprint of your house and also the cost of construction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, energy efficient houses create many benefits such as; lower energy bills, increased comfort, improved air quality, enhanced durability, and greater sustainability. By choosing to build an a energy efficient home, one can benefit from comfortable, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It is important to ensure the needs and preferences of the homeowner as well as the environment and costs involved are put into consideration when designing an energy efficient house.

For more updates, like our Facebook Page.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ

• GREEN STORMWATER SOLUTIONS: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE STORMWATER
  In the face of climate change threats, constructing green infrastructure is crucial in today’s world.. In a world with global warming and pollution, it is important to seek out infrastructural solutions to that are clean and energy efficient to ensure sustainability. As many cities all over the world have adopted… Read more: GREEN STORMWATER SOLUTIONS: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE STORMWATER
• VERTICAL VS HORIZONTAL EXPANSION
  Civil engineering involves the art of shaping our world. The choices that engineers make in designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure have a profound impact on communities. In this article, we are going to look to fundamental approaches in the design and construction of buildings. These approaches are vertical expansion… Read more: VERTICAL VS HORIZONTAL EXPANSION
• FIVE MUST-HAVE GADGETS FOR ENGINEERS
  As an engineer what sets you apart is what you keep in your toolbox. While knowledge and experience are key to succeeding in engineering, the tools you keep on you can determine your efficiency and effectiveness. Engineers are prone to travelling and working remotely, and hence It is important to… Read more: FIVE MUST-HAVE GADGETS FOR ENGINEERS