# Energy Efficient House Design: Tips for Eco-Friendly Living

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/energy-efficient-house-design-tips-for-eco-friendly-living/
- Published: 2021-04-12T12:04:06-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

## Energy efficient house

Are you thinking of building an energy efficient house? Then why not build one that
saves you on your energy bill and is less harmful to the planet. 

### **_Step 1: Choose the Right Size, Orientation, and Layout_**

#### **Size**

Given a choice between a big and small house, which will you choose? I bet 90% of
people will choose a big home. However, smaller houses are more sustainable because
they require less construction material and they consume less energy.

Therefore, carefully analyze your needs; do you really need a big house? Try to 
cut down as much as you can. However, remember, you are building something you will
love, so don’t compromise on size if it makes you uncomfortable. 

![Energy efficient house](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2021/04/Shutterstock-image.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1 "Energy efficient
house")

### **Orientation **

The orientation of your house can make your house more energy-efficient. If you 
live in a cold area, it makes sense to have a south-facing home to soak up as much
of the sun as possible. You can keep the south open by adding windows, window-walls,
and open areas. 

South-facing homes will require less [energy as they will keep warm](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/04/bush-reportedly-regrets-global-warming-energy-policy-decisions/)
from sunlight, and they will also have plenty of natural light, reducing the need
to turn on artificial lights. 

On the other hand, if you [live in areas with a lot](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/10/green-october-living-guy-book-tour-updated-with-radio-interview-on-daily-green-website/)
of sunlight, you can plant trees strategically to keep your house in the shade and
reduce the requirement for cooling appliances. For example, you can plant trees 
on the west of your home to protect it from the sun’s glare.

### **Energy efficient house Layout**

When we studied shapes in geometry, I always wondered what their use was in real
life. Well, here is the use; spheres and cubes are more energy-efficient shapes.
While you certainly can’t design your house to look like a sphere (unless you want
to), you can use these shapes to reduce energy needs. 

### **_Step 2: Use Sustainable Construction Materials _**

#### **Use Local **

Half the blogs on the internet start with the word _global village,_ and while I
dislike the unimaginative repetitiveness, I have to agree with the statement. International
trade is frequent and encouraged, which is why a home in Malibu has tiles imported
from Spain, fittings from China, and kitchen cabinets from Europe. 

However, if you want to build a sustainable home, then consider buying local as 
it reduces shipping which reduces the carbon footprint of your home. In addition,
you may even find that local vendors offer more customization and aftercare services.

### **Use Recyclable **

Using [recycled material to construct your home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/cfl-recycling-at-home-depot-a-simple-and-free-program/)
is another way to keep your house sustainable. Although you won’t be able to construct
the entire [house with recycled materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/tiny-houses-built-with-recycled-materials-by-ryan-mitchell/),
you can try to use it as much as possible. 

#### Here is a list of materials for an energy efficient house inspiration: 

 1. Reclaimed wood for walls, flooring, doors, cabinets, and windows. 
 2. Reclaimed doors and windows. You can purchase doors and windows that you were used
    in buildings that have been torn down and install them in your own house instead
    of purchasing new fittings. 
 3. Reclaimed bricks, stones, slabs, tiles, etc. You can use them in your garden, patio,
    terrace, garage, etc., in a tasteful manner. 
 4. Recycled glass; you can use it for your windows, countertops, and other requirements.
 5. Recycled Plastic: Try to find as many recycled or recyclable plastic fittings that
    are required when building houses. 

### **_Step 3: Choose Insulation _**

The next important step is to ensure that your house has sufficient [insulation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/12/insulation-is-to-go-green-for-your-home/)
for your climate. From Icynene to Aerogel, there are many [green insulation options](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/top-5-ways-to-insulate-a-green-home/)
you can choose to reduce the energy needs of your house. 

Consider the rate of insulation (R) when choosing your insulation material and style.
Choose one that is suitable for your climate. The best insulation will keep your
home warm in winters and cool in summers.

Additionally, insulation also keeps out drafts and reduces dampness and mildew. 
Insulation makes a great difference in your energy consumption needs; it will reduce
your [energy bill](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/powering-the-electric-future-lithium-battery-company-in-focus/)
and your energy footprint. 

#### Some Eco-friendly insulation options are:

 1. Sheep’s Wool, Demin/Cotton for light insulation 
 2. Icynene spray foam for high insulation 
 3. [Polystyrene foam](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/lithium-sulfur-batteries-longer-for-electric-vehicles/)
    boards or spray foam is another option
 4. Aerogel sheets 
 5. Cellulose sheets

#### **_Step 4: Choose Energy Star Equipment and Appliances for an energy efficient house _**

The next step to make your house energy efficient is to choose energy-friendly equipment
and appliances. Choose machines with an Energy Star rating as they consume less 
energy.

When you are constructing your house, ask your builder to choose machines that have
an energy star rating and later buy [energy-efficient appliances](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/eco-friendly-electronics/)
for your home. It will make a huge difference in your energy bill and, of course,
the impact your house will have on the environment. 

### Machines, fixtures, and appliances to consider in an energy efficient house:

 1. Lights 
 2. Home Appliances, such as [carpet cleaning](https://www.carpetbright.uk.com/carpet-cleaning/brighton/)
    machines, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc.
 3. Kitchen Appliances, such as refrigerators, beaters and mixers, dishwasher, etc.
 4. HVACs
 5. Water Machines 

You can also use smart devices to monitor and maintain energy consumption, such 
as a smart thermostat, smart lights, etc. 

### **_Step 5: Invest in Renewable Energy _**

Finally, invest in renewable energy sources to save on your energy bill and reduce
your impact on the environment. Some options to consider are:

### **Solar Panels**

Solar panels or photovoltaic panels are an excellent option for renewable energy.
If you live in an area with plenty of sunlight, you can install these solar panels
that generate sustainable energy from the sun’s heat. 

Install the solar panels in an area with the maximum sunlight, such as your roof
or patio. Solar panels come with batteries that store energy so you can use them
even after the sun has gone down.

#### **Wind and Water Energy **

Some areas also use energy generated from wind and water. If you live in a windy
area, you may install a wind turbine to power your home. Similarly, if you live 
near a downhill water source, you can install a water turbine to create energy easily.

If you are not currently in the market for renewable energy, consider an [emergency generator](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/3-reasons-your-home-needs-an-emergency-generator/).

### **_Sustainable and Energy Efficient Houses are the Future  _**

Many people believe that sustainable housing is practically impossible. However,
it is not true! From choosing the layout of your home to the appliances you install
in your home, you can take steps to make your home more energy-efficient and less
harmful to the environment. 

We all must play a part in [conserving the earth for future](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/glg-monthly-reforestation-for-a-greener-future/)
generations, and building sustainable homes is a good way to do it! 

_**Author Bio: **_
_Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing,
designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical
field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog
articles for [Carpet Cleaning London.](https://www.carpetbright.uk.com/carpet-cleaning/london/)_

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