Designing an Energy Efficient Home

Whether you want to save money or save the planet, the time to think “energy efficient” is during the design phase of your home.  It is much easier to incorporate energy efficient strategies as part of the overall design than to try and fit them in after you have designed the house.

There are four main factors that contribute to energy consumption:

  • Outside air infiltration
  • Improper home orientation
  • Excessive solar heat gain
  • Appliances and light fixtures

By addressing all of these in the overall design of your new home, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to run your home and make it more comfortable. 

Some design strategies include:

  • Insulation – 
    • Use 2x6 walls, SIP’s  or ICF’s  to maximize insulation and minimize air infiltration
    • Use unvented attics and crawl spaces where possible
    • Use whole house wrap
    • Upgrade to spray on or blown in insulation
  • Orientation – 
    • Orient the home with the long sides facing south and north
    • Use awnings, porches, and eaves to minimize summer sun
    • Minimize west facing glazing
  • Lighting – 
    • Use fluorescent lighting, occupancy sensors, and dimmers wherever possible
    • Avoid the use of “canned” lighting, even “airtight” types
  • Other strategies – 
    • Use radiant barriers or cool roofing
    • Use Energy Star appliances
    • Use tank-less water heaters
    • Insulate pipes
    • Put ductwork in conditioned space

We would be happy to help you design an energy efficient home, large or small.  Some of the services we provide include shading studies and energy analysis, so you can modify your design for optimal energy savings.  Please contact us and we can discuss your project, or fill out the Design Questionnaire located on our Residential Building Design  page.  Thanks, and we look forward to working with you.

For additional information, please call Tracy Mohr, CEPE, LEED AP at 530-893-1600, or send an email to tmohr@northstareng.com