This article is part 1 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
You have much to consider when designing and building a new energy-efficient house, and it can be a challenge. However, recent technological improvements in building elements and construction techniques also allow most modern energysaving ideas to be seamlessly integrated into house designs while improving [...]
This article is part 2 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
A thermal envelope is everything about the house that serves to shield the living space from the outdoors. It includes the wall and roof assemblies, insulation, air/vapor retarders, windows, and weatherstripping and caulking.
Wall and Roof Assemblies
Most builders use traditional wood frame construction. Wood framing [...]
This article is part 3 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
Since an energy-efficient house is tightly sealed, it needs to be ventilated in a controlled manner. Controlled, mechanical ventilation prevents health risks from indoor air pollution, promotes a more comfortable atmosphere, and reduces air moisture infiltration, thus reducing the likelihood of structural damage.
Furnaces, water [...]
This article is part 4 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
Specifying the correct sizes for heating and cooling systems in airtight, energy-efficient homes can be tricky. Rule-of-thumb sizing is often inaccurate, resulting in wasteful operation. Conscientious builders and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning contractors size heating and cooling equipment based on careful consideration of the [...]
This article is part 5 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
Appliances with relatively high operating efficiencies are usually more expensive to purchase. However, higher efficiency appliances provide a measure of insurance against increases in energy prices, emit less air pollution, and are attractive selling points when the home is resold.
Home buyers should invest in [...]
This article is part 6 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
Houses that incorporate all of the above elements of energy efficiency have many advantages. They feel more comfortable because the additional insulation keeps the interior wall at a more comfortable and stable temperature. The indoor humidity is also better controlled, and drafts are reduced. [...]
This article is part 7 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
Before you start a home-building project, the building site and its climate should be carefully evaluated to determine the optimum design and orientation for the house. There are energy-related computer software programs that can help with these evaluations. The design should accommodate appropriate insulation [...]
This article is part 8 of Elements of an Energy-Efficient House.
The following are sources of additional information on energy-efficient houses:
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) P.O. Box 3048 Merrifield, VA22116 1-800-DOE-EREC (1-800-363-3732) EREC provides free general and technical information to the public on many topics and technologies pertaining to energy efficiency and [...]
