Tips For You To Create A Net-Zero Home
When you speak of sustainability, net-zero energy usage is all that comes into your mind. The architecture community has embraced this trend so well that we can witness its positive impact with passing the time.
When you speak of net-zero homes, the thought of installing solar panels on the roof surely pops into the mind. However, it’s necessary, some passive and behavioural changes that an occupant can embrace to reduce their energy needs.
Here are a few tips for you to create a net-zero home.
- Evaluating your building envelope
The building envelope protects us from all the elements, and a well-built envelope goes beyond it to improve the comfort of the occupants.
By insulating the envelope, you can reduce the capital spent on building thick walls to keep heat out and cool in the house, nearing the goal of net-zero energy usage.
Especially in cooler regions, sealing the house with insulators on walls is very important to lower the amount of heat entering the structure, passively reducing energy production needs.
- Energy-saving fixtures and appliances
Transitioning into a net-zero home is simple only when the changes are on the interior because solar panels aren’t cheap. Since appliances are heavy energy consumers, simply swapping incandescent bulbs to LEDs or choosing appliances with an energy star rating can work things out.
Though they might seem expensive, over time, they turn out to be an effective investment when they save in energy usage and reduce maintenance.
- Heating appliances
Heating appliances tend to surge energy bills more than cooling appliances. Installing a solar roof water heater can offset your burden to mother nature.
Installing geothermal heating systems, especially in cold regions, can help you transition to net-zero energy usage at home.
- The magic of ceiling fan
Though you can adjust AC units as per your needs and weather conditions, a ceiling fan is a better pick if you want a net-zero home.
The pressure on the solar grid that an AC unit could create can potentially increase the insulation costs. Despite having an energy-saving plan, installing an AC can curb its positive effects. On the other hand, fans are way cheap, providing ventilation where needed.
It also helps improve the Indoor Air Quality of the residence, letting fresh air in from outside the home.
- Monitor your energy usage
To curb energy bills, one has to analyze the usage of energy. Switching off light and fans when not around might seem absurd and not so relevant, but you can save up to 15% on your annual energy bills.
You can even note what appliances cause the surge in your bills and consider swapping them to make better usage.
- Using smart system
Home automation can reduce your work to a great extent making your life smooth as butter. But were you aware that installing such technology can even save your energy bills? Having the overall control through apps installed in smart devices can help you save energy by turning lights and other appliances off, even if you forget before leaving the house.
Though such systems require great investment, they are worth considering.
Conclusion
A net-zero home is active and requires the implementation of better fixtures. Following the increasing global issues, it is not tough for someone to comprehend net-zero homes.