custom home builder reviews

custom home builder reviews
If you plan to build a house, you should really ask the architects to design the new building in a way that the energy loss in winter or on cold days is minimal. Do you think that about half the heat loss through Walls happens and poorly insulated windows and an important proportion through ventilation systems. The focus of the new building is also important: north-south, with large windows on the southern side and smaller on the north side (if possible at all without windows in the north). And not overlooked, proper insulation. If this is done from the first phase of the process, you will be no problems later, energy or other problems such as powdery mildew.

However, if you already live in a poorly insulated building, do not despair! There are some simple ways to improve energy efficiency, and they do not mean huge costs. Start by replacing Windows with low-emission window (or just the glass). Low-E is a new technology based on a special metallic coating is transparent to the solar spectrum and the infrared radiation reflecting that lowers the amount of energy loss.

If your walls are not insulated, depending on the design, there are three types of insulation should be to reduce energy loss: cavity, internal and external. Isolation is the heat loss, and energy. And do not forget the draft excludes installation on your doors and windows.

Solar systems - such as solar hot water panels - could be more than 50% of annual hot water needs. There are more and more homeowners are installing solar panels on their homes. Such systems not only virtually free hot water, but also significantly increase the value of a building. Some homeowners even rainwater systems to reduce costs for water and help protect the environment. Rainwater is in special containers and can be used as drinking water after it is filtered and cleaned. This rain harvesting systems are not always inexpensive, but the savings make it worth the price, in time you will find the cost of your purchase.

If a boiler is older than 10-15 years, you should buy it and a high efficiency condensing boilers. This could save about 1 / 3 of your heating costs, because more than 88% of the fuel into heat, while the conventional boilers convert about 70-75%. If you can not afford a new boiler you might consider insulating your hot water tank and water pipes to reduce heat loss.

Lighting should also be energy efficient. Traditional light bulbs need a quantity of electricity. Fluorescent light bulbs are better because they save energy (have only 25% of the amount of electricity to cover a traditional light bulb), have longer life (up to 10 times more) and generate less heat. Sure, they are more expensive than a traditional bulb, but the longer life and energy savings to compensate. Overall, these simple energy saving tips, and the purchase of energy efficient appliances, reducing energy costs for the cold season and make your building more comfortable, while increasing their value.

Michael Russell Your Independent Building guide.