There are a lot of builders that claim to offer green or sustainable building efforts but are not certified as such and may not do everything possible. But if you want something as energy efficient as possible you need to look for energy efficient home builders Melbourne who strict to strict guidelines and concepts. This means a focus in the planning stage, consulting with experts in energy efficiency when planning, as well as key construction technologies and methods, controlled ventilation, specific insulation, doors and windows, and high-efficiency cooling, heating and appliances.
Think about the type and number of windows
The wrong windows, not being placed well and too many can play a big part in losing heated air in the colder seasons and cooled air in the warmer ones. In fact, windows can lose as much as 25 % of heated or cooled air. In hot climates, you want fewer windows on the west, north and east sides. You also want windows to take up no more than 9% of the floor space.
Insulation is hugely important
Insulation might not sound very exciting but it is a crucial part of energy-efficient homes. The best energy efficient home builders use proper insulation with higher r-values than even local codes ask for. The higher the r-value the lower the transfer of heat. Wall cavities need to be filled using fibreglass, foam insulation and wet cellulose spray. Even the slabs in the foundation and the walls need proper insulation.
Other top tips with heating and cooling
Water vapour condensation is an issue that affects the energy efficiency of a home and there are two main solutions. One is having a vapour retarder which is a material that affects the water vapour movement. Another is called an air retarder which helps restrict the flow of air in and out of the thermal envelope. Energy-efficient home builders Melbourne will know the best way to proceed. You can use ventilators for heat recovery that can help save up to 70 % of your energy bill. It replaces the stale air with flowing fresh air.
Heating systems in an energy-efficient home should use something less than 50,000 BTU. With a combination of great insulation, and the above options you would only need minimal backup from something like a water heater, electric heat pump or furnace. A well-built house in fact could just use sunlight at the primary heat source. Just keep in mind that the more things you have that create a waste heat, the more need you have for air conditioning or fans. Ideally, you do not want to need an air conditioner but if it is needed it should be small.
Conclusion
With the help of the best energy efficient home builders following strictly to the energy efficient innovations and principles, you can have a home that is greatly reduced in its carbon footprint and saves you money long term. It is also a house buyers will be fighting over!
