When building your home, it is an excellent opportunity to design an affordable zero energy home. You want to ensure that you minimize energy usage to save you money on energy bills. It would be best if you focused on constructing almost a zero energy home. Below are steps to help you get the best out of your zero-energy home construction.
Go for a Smart Design
The first consideration to a zero energy home is to create a smart design. In this case, you need to work with an experienced architect or designer to help you determine the best design. Ensure the person understands the steps involved in the construction of energy-efficient homes.
The expert should design the home well to create a seamless project experience for builders and contractors. Therefore, ensure there is clear communication with your builder and designer to close all gaps.
You may also consider using Costcertified software for a clear estimate, especially when determining the prices. A smart design is a cost-effective factor worth a bang for your buck.
Select the Best Site
The site where you plan to install a zero energy home is a crucial consideration that can save you money in the long run. For instance, you should choose a flat land with direct sunlight.
The site should also be close to amenities such as transport and a shopping center. This is because getting closer to such areas can help you minimize costs on energy bills. You can take advantage of the solar energy within these amenities to supply energy in your home.
It’d be best to work with a solar energy contractor to help you analyze the site and advise you if the place is suitable for your project. A specialist can design your home appropriately, resulting in almost zero energy consumption. Additionally, accurate measurements of the site should be taken so that you can make accurate calculations for siding and roofing. Proper siding materials such as fiber cement boards or clapboards are essential to achieving comfortable temperatures in your zero-energy home.
Install Insulated Doors and Windows
The type of doors and windows you choose for your home greatly impacts energy usage in your home. Ensure you install insulated ceiling, doors, and windows to operate on zero energy.
There are multiple window and door products in the market today, and you can choose any based on your needs, preferences, and expectations. Your designer can help you choose the appropriate products, optimize and orient them to create a tight building envelope.
Making the right choice of doors and windows is one of the most efficient ways to spend less energy and pay lower energy bills.
Energy Efficient Lighting
No doubt that minimal lighting can help you save energy while offering sufficient lighting in your home. The best energy-efficient option is LED lighting. They do not contain mercury and last longer than other lighting options.
The beauty with this lighting is that you can switch it to your preferred mode, alternating from white to soft glow to white based on your preferences. When purchasing the LED lights, ensure you choose the right light, install them in strategic areas in your home and maximize natural lighting as much as possible. This will help you minimize energy consumption and this is also good if you have house plants.
Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances and Electronics
Choosing high efficient appliances and electronics for your home is another excellent way to save energy. This includes heating and cooling systems. For instance, you can go for a ductless heat pump because it uses minimal energy and does not have forced air shortcomings.
Also, keep a close eye on your appliances and ensure that you switch them off when not in use. You want to close every gap that could lead to increased energy consumption. This will help you meet the net-zero energy goals.
If you have mini-split heat pumps, you can be sure of lower energy consumption since they are highly efficient and customized for homes with lower heating and cooling needs. This makes the heat pumps suitable for many zero energy homes.
Choose Your Water Heating Options Wisely
While you may want to heat water often, it can lead to costly energy bills. This is among the largest sources of increased energy consumption in most homes. That is why you need to be wise when heating water in your home.
In this case, you can work with professional builders and designers to help you determine energy-efficient water heating systems. Experts can also advise you on the most efficient heating water and other measures to avoid hot water wastage.
The Bottom Line
Using the tips above can help you maximize energy consumption to almost zero energy usage. You may want to work with energy experts and devise better and creative ways to save energy in your home.
