Energy-Efficient Homes Also Boast A Variety Of Environmental Benefits, Including The Lowering Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
As Perth sizzles towards the end of another summer, home hunters who want to avoid steep energy bills while cooling off may find themselves suited to an energy-efficient home. Dubbed by Commerce WA as sustainable and easy to run, these strong-performing houses reduce the need to crank the air-conditioner to stay cool, or the heater to stay warm. While saving homeowners money, energy-efficient homes also boast a variety of environmental benefits, including the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions. According to Curtin University researchers, these homes are particularly important to supporting Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target because residential buildings use three times more energy than their commercial counterparts. While governments around the world work to minimise carbon output, Western Australians can do their part and keep their wallets healthy by embracing home design tips to keep houses comfortable year round. Luxury custom builder Averna Homes Project Director Jamie Sim said employing solar solutions and carefully considering property orientation were first steps. “Consider things like solar orientation of the home on the block and how it is designed to capture the morning sun, winter sun and how to eliminate the harsh afternoon sun in summer,” he said.
“Also consider the position of certain rooms and what their application is. “The width of the eaves also really plays into how much sun is let in during winter and how much is kept out in summer.” According to Mr Sim, other elements of a strong-performing home include the positioning of windows to enable cross ventilation, the degree of window glazing, the type of glass used, the type of window frames and the type of window treatment. The airspace in a home and how it’s insulated should also be considered, as should the colour of the roof. “Even the selection of the flooring covering in the house can help the energy rating of a home,” Mr Sim said. “Cavity wall insulation will also help if the system is installed and used correctly.”
This news was originally published at The West