Modern homes can use a lot of juice, depending on how big they are and what goes on inside them. For the most part, they tend to be on the higher end of energy consumption, so mitigating that and striving for an energy efficiency home is not only admirable but possible.
With advancements in technology, there are now a variety of techniques and materials modern homes can implement to produce their own energy while reducing the amount they consume, resulting in a home that is completely net zero.
In case you are looking to remodel a modern home, let us go over how you can achieve the ultimate feat in construction, an energy efficient home.
1. ICF Foundation
For modern homes, ICF construction is crucial to achieving net-zero. It will have the largest impact on energy efficiency thanks to the comprehensive air barrier created within the framing system. It will also make your home hurricane-proof thanks to the extreme durability of the material and design, an added benefit in extreme weather-prone areas.
2. Renewable Energy Installation
Solar panels are the easiest way for any modern home to produce their own power. You could opt to have large, obtrusive panels installed if you need to, especially if you are in an area with not much sun.
According to Steve Lyon of Houston Home Remodeling Pros, even smaller homes are now going solar panel shingles that can be seamlessly interwoven into the normal shingles on their roof. These are a sleek and stylish way to produce your own energy and achieve net-zero.
3. A Proper Window Seal
Sealing around windows with things like weather-stripping, caulk, and AirDams is another step you need to take to lower energy wastage in the form of temperature and air leaks. Louvers and other air/vapor barriers can help with this, as well as additional roof insulation. Polyiso roof insulation, to be specific, is the most effective at adding the additional insulation a modern home needs to retain heat through the roof and prevent air leaks.
4. Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are the final piece to the puzzle of achieving energy efficiency. LED bulbs are a major boost here, as they consume far less energy than regular bulbs over the course of their lifetime. Changing the lighting in your modern home to energy-efficient bulbs can make a huge difference, especially if you have a lot of lighting throughout your home.
Industrial-sized washers and dryers can also be switched to ENERGY STAR rated versions to help improve on this front as well. Commercial and industrial appliances can use a lot of energy, so it is important to maximize energy-efficiency in this field wherever possible.
Energy Efficient Homes Are Not Just a Fantasy
With today’s technological innovations you can achieve an energy efficient home. By implementing the tips, we have laid out here such as installing solar panels, using energy-efficient appliances, building from the ground-up with ICF construction, and creating a proper window seal and more, you can effectively create a commercial space that has a net impact of 0 on the energy grid.
Comentários