Before you build it is worth enlisting the services of a Professional environmentally responsible building designer, to incorporate technologies and effective Passive Design design principles that will repay themselves many times over the life of the building. Some of the most efficient methods for achieving maximum energy reduction include;
Incorporating the use of heavyweight building materials in the construction to provide a thermal mass heat sink.
Planning Internal room placement and usage so the rooms used during the day are orientated to the North and bedrooms avoid facing west.
Correctly sizing windows and sill heights to eave widths to optimize passive solar principles relative to the sun’s inclination. Avoiding large windows that face east or west.
Selecting light colored roofing materials and a pitch complementing the Angie of incidence to the sun for the relative latitude.
Limiting ceiling height no higher than 2.7 m and eliminating 2 story Voids if possible to dramatically reduce heating costs.
Drought proofing all opening doors and window with effective seals, Utilizing mechanical roof and cross flow ventilation.
Connecting to Natural gas if available, installing thermostat controlled Solar water heating, low voltage lighting and smart energy rated appliances.
Avoid the overuse of glazing (ideally between 20-30% of the total floor area) and non reflective dark colored building materials, Skylights should be kept as small as possible. Installed vertically and face south.
Consider double glazing, laminated or Toned glass, Fixed or adjustable shading devices such as awnings, pergolas and landscape design.
Insulation of your home can save 45-55% of its heating and cooling requirements.
For existing homes retro fitting insulation, the application of wind film treatments, installing awnings over large windows facing north or planting shade trees, will not only improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your power consumption, but reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their by improving sustainability for those future generations who will also need to occupy that portion of planet Earth you currently call home.
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Craig Haycock Propretor of Affinity Homes in Perth West Australia, Registered Builders Affinity Homes http://www.affinityhomes.com.au/index.html Affinity Homes is available to provide A Completely Independent Specialist Internal and External Visual Pre-Purchase Assessment & unbiased Advice on your next home purchase Affinity Pre-Purchase Perth Http://affinity-prepurchase.com.au PRE PURCHASE HOME BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES
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