Building a new home comes with a whole host of considerations, but what about how to make your home more energy efficient?

If you want to make your new build home more energy-efficient, here are some of the most important things to consider before you start building.

Insulation

Having a well-insulated home will not only mean cheaper heating and cooling bills but also have a big impact on your environmental footprint.

Not having to use air-con as much in summer or heating as much in winter means your home is important if you want to build your home to be energy efficient.

You can add insulation in the walls and in the roof, and don’t forget to seal any external windows and doors to stop draughts from undoing the work of your insulation.

North Facing Living Areas

Having north facing living areas means year-round natural light and sunshine. This can drastically reduce your heating and cooling bills by relying on natural conditions to keep your property well-lit and warm in the cooler months.

Add Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to start saving money and energy from the day you move in.

Take advantage of the current government rebate for solar panels and it may not cost as much as you expect.

Limit Windows On The East & West Sides Of Your Home

Houses with lots of windows on the east and west sides can experience a lot of light and heat towards the end of the day. This can cause discomfort in terms of your internal temperatures and have you reaching for the aircon remote.

Avoid this by limiting the number of windows you add on these faces of your home.

Double Glazing

Double glazing isn’t just for colder climates. It can also help your home to stay cool in summer by locking in the cooler air and keeping the hot air out.

Plus in winter, your home will stay warmer without the need for as much heating.

Add Doors To Close Off Certain Spaces

Many Australian homes are open plan and this means they take lots of energy to heat or cool. Consider adding clever ways to block off areas of your home that may not need to be heated or cooled.

Adding a door on the entry to the bedroom spaces means that when your living areas have the air-con or heating on, it won’t be trying to heat the bedrooms as well.

Install LED Lighting

LED lighting is so affordable and cheap to run these days, there is no excuse not to include these or other forms of energy-efficient lighting in your new home.

Plant Trees & Shrubs To Create Shade

Don’t forget the natural ways you can create an energy-efficient home.

Plant large trees and shrubs outside your property to help create shade for your rooms. This will keep your rooms naturally cooler in the hot summer months, without you having to resort to expensive and inefficient air conditioning.

Natural Ventilation

Design your home with natural ventilation in mind. Place your windows in positions that take advantage of cross-winds and create a natural breeze to cool your rooms when it’s baking hot.

Metal Roof

Did you know that a metal roof reflects the sun and helps to keep your home cooler? Look into the different materials for roofing and choose one that helps increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Have you got a top tip for making your home more energy efficient? Let us know in the comments.

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