Energy Efficient Homes Birmingham AL

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Energy Efficient Homes

Energy efficient homes are homes where the thermal losses (or gains in the case of air conditioning) of comfort conditioning have been minimized. Energy Efficient Homes can be identified only if a properly qualified specialist carries out an energy audit or a BER analysis.

Whether you want to retrofit the existing energy consuming equipment or implement upgrades a long term investment approach will benefit you over years to come.

How to make your home energy efficient

There are several aspects in your home that you will have to look into if you were to make your home energy efficient.

• Add insulation to your home -For this you will have to find where insulation has to be improved. An analysis has to follow (preferably using suitable software) to determine the cost effective additional thickness required at various weak spots.

A comparison of various insulations and also the estimated payback period on the investment is a must. Adequately insulating heating Ducts (especially when running through unheated areas) along with their leak sealing, insulating water tanks, plumbing and electric water heaters is also a part of the job.

• Upgrade your Heating System -The equipment must compulsorily carry a green energy rating in the upper part of the scale. Know when your boilers and controls are due for a replacement. If your boiler is over 15 years old or in poor condition needing frequent repairs and your fuel bills are too high the time may be ripe for a replacement. Find out what is the best suited fuel for your heating system. Points to consider in this regard are;
  • The cost and the availability (keeping in mind what is cheap today may not be cheap tomorrow).
  • The type of equipment used to convert fuel to heat energy and its distribution over the building.
  • The cost of purchase, installation and maintenance (perhaps for another 15 years or so).
  • The efficiency of the Boilers and the distribution system
  • Any environmental impact of the fuel itself or its products of combustion.
  • See whether use of Geothermal Energy, Heat pumps, solar thermal and other sustainable heat sources is more advantageous for your home.

• Install More efficient Controls – Today's programmable thermostats and Timers afford you a big advantage to conserve energy. A degree difference in your room setting will save you considerable energy without even your feeling the difference. The terminal equipment etc. if fitted with more precise TRVs will empower you with better control over your energy usage.

• Windows and Doors improvement- Consider installing interior and exterior Storm Windows because it might save 25% to 50% of heat lost through the windows. It will further improve if Low-e type double glazed windows are fitted. Design, Selection and Installation of windows play a big part in your efforts to save energy. Consulting a specialist therefore is a must.

• Use Alternative Energy appliances- Use of solar thermal panels (for heating and hot water), Use of geothermal energy, use of waste heat (eg. in CHPs) may be very cost effective in certain situations and where these resources are available a plenty. It is advisable to seek expert advise to find out how practical these for your specific requirement.

• Landscaping for energy efficiency- Depending on the geographic location of your house landscaping strategies may be effectively employed to conserve home energy. Some of these may be ;

• • Maximize the Sun's direct heating effect in the winter
  • Maximize the shade in the hot summer
  • Deflecting the cold winter breeze away from the building
  • Direct summer warm breeze towards the building
  • Use wind breaks of trees and shrubs to reduce wind chill in the winter

• Use energy efficient Lighting- Use of CFL, LED (SSL) and Solar Powered Lights are highly encouraged these days. The use of Day lighting is another measure that can be considered.

For further information you can contact ENTECH who will advise you or guide you to their best qualified associate for your requirement.

John Mahoney is a freelance author who writes about various technology related subjects including subjects on energy through technology

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/energy-efficient-homes--796222.html