Building an energy-efficient house is really a question of doing a few things very well:
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build it tight
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insulate it properly
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orient it for solar gain
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correctly install efficient equipment
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install proper ventilation.
To build the house tight, you need a continuous, durable air barrier surrounding the living space. There are a number of ways to do this effectively, such as using a house wrap product, sealing the drywall, and caulking everything in sight. But remember, the tighter the home is, the more it needs proper ventilation.
Insulating a house properly means that the insulation is the proper R value, is laid in place neatly without air pockets or gaps.
The third step to an energy efficient home is to face the house that captures a lot of solar energy in the winter and very little in the summer. Put most of the windows on the south side, with overhangs large enough to shade the windows from summer sun.
Fourth, select high efficiency equipment that is installed properly. Typical problems include over-sizing, and under-sizing of interior and exterior mechanical equipment, and an improper install of condensation lines.
Lowering your energy and use and costs can be as simple as sealing your home of air leaks, having a tune-up of your heating or cooling devices, or lowering your thermostat.
It`s really nice to see that articles about going ¨green¨ have just flooded the internet and by this more people can take in consideration this option. Several attempts have been made in our neighbourhoods in Toronto and I`m glad to be a part of it. The only thing that can cause a problem for the individual who wants to realize this scheme is the cost of the energy efficient equipments but one should agree that it`s worth to invest in it. Thanks for the recommended links!