What is an energy-efficient home?
An energy-efficient home is a building that is designed, constructed, and operated in a way that minimises the use of natural resources (such as water and energy) and reduces pollution. The term is typically applied to new homes or buildings, but it can also be applied to existing structures. An energy-efficient home uses less energy than average houses of the same type. It may therefore cost less to operate per square foot than other houses or apartments built in the same area at about the same time.
What is the main thing to include when building an energy-efficient home extension?
When building an energy-efficient home extension, one should always consider using materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable. These materials include: solar panels for electricity generation; rainwater collection systems for water supply; high-efficiency boilers for heating; insulation for walls; roof insulation for roofs; heat pumps instead of radiators for heating rooms or entire houses; natural ventilation instead of air conditioning systems during hot summers; passive solar design principles (windows facing south for example); solar screens on windows during summer.
When it comes to building an energy-efficient home extension, there are a few things you need to include:
The first is insulation. Insulation helps keep your house and future extension warm in the winter and cool in the summer by trapping air between the walls and roof. This can be done with foam board or cellulose. You may also want to consider caulking to seal any gaps that could allow cold air or heat to escape.
Another thing is installing double-pane windows that have a low U-value rating on them. This will help reduce heat transfer through your windows, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You may also want to consider adding storm windows or solar screens if you live in an area where it gets hot during certain times of year (these will help keep heat out).
You should also look into getting high-efficiency appliances for your kitchen—such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers—as well as LED light bulbs for any lights inside your home. These can all make a big difference when it comes to how much electricity you use (and therefore how much money you save each month).
The second most important thing is windows. Newer windows with good seals are more energy efficient than older windows that may not be sealed properly or have cracked seals. If your roof has leaks, this can also cause more heat loss through your roof which will increase your electricity bill by using more heating or cooling to compensate for the increased heat loss through leaks in the roof (if they exist).
The third most important thing would be appliances like washing machines and dishwashers that use less water per load than older models do – this will lower your water bill and reduce waste since less water is used per cycle!
As it is becoming increasingly important to lead more sustainable lives, we want to urge our clients about thinking of the environment when it comes to their new home or kitchen extension.
Dreaming of a sustainable home extension?
When it comes to planning, designing and building your dream home or kitchen extension, make sure you speak to the experts at Simply Extend. We have designed and built hundreds of extensions all over London and the West Midlands. Call our friendly team today on 0800 917 7571 and book in a free kitchen extension site survey.
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