Modern architecture has been making the most of sustainable building practices for more than a decade, and there’s no sign that’s going to change. What’s more, sustainable design has become a routine element of much residential building, as the construction industry recognizes that homeowners want the energy savings and efficiency that sustainable design brings.
So what should you look for if you’re building or buying a home and you’re interested in the savings and efficiency that sustainable design offers? Sustainable housing should promote a good quality of life while involving less waste. A sustainable residence should involve less maintenance, more reuse, and less environmental impact.
Building sustainably does not have to be difficult. Here are some sustainable design ideas to look for in a new home or to incorporate in your home as you build.
Sustainable Design Recommendations
- Insulation is key in our region if you want to keep warm air inside and prevent the intrusion from cold air in the winter. Likewise in the summer, insulation will help keep your air-conditioning bills lower.
- Invest in double-glazed windows. While the costs of double-glazed windows may seem a bit daunting, the investment will pay you back in savings on your energy bills through the years. Double-glazed windows are an essential part of sealing your home’s envelope and maintaining sustainable design integrity.
- Make the most of passive solar. Passive solar energy — that is, sunlight that penetrates your home through windows or skylights — can augment your heating so that you can turn the thermostat down. If you’re building a home, good sustainable design requires orientation of the home so you can take advantage of the sun’s rays for warming. At the same time, be sure to install shading devices that help prevent the home from overheating due to too much sunlight.
- Install energy-efficient HVAC appliances. Be it your main heating and cooling appliances or auxiliary devices such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or ventilation systems, have your architect work with a knowledgeable HVAC professional to design the most efficient system for your home.
For more, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
