Prioritize
The first step is to prioritize your choices decide
if you want more sunlight, reduced water consumption, reduced energy, more
space, better bathroom or kitchen. Use he internet to find different materials,
lighting, energy efficient appliances and etc.
Energy Efficient
Homes
These homes are rapidly increasing in numbers and many
people prefer them over traditional houses. They provide better comfort levels
and the energy and water bills are considerably lowered. Such a home can last
for around 50 years and during its time it will pay for itself. These homes
include many various technologies like efficient appliances, renewable building
materials, solar energy, rainwater storage and others.
Limiting Energy
Consumption
This is usually one of the phases with top priority.
Global warming is a worldwide threat and its effects on the climate can have a
devastating effect. These effects dont just affect health, but they also
increase non-renewable energy price. Search for appliances which are highly
efficient.
Passive Cooling
Air movement is an important aspect of passive cooling
and this movement is created by fans. These fans are installed throughout the
house and they increase evaporation rates
, which leads to better cooling. Other
good ideas for passive cooling is the usage of shading and eaves which will
exclude solar access to the house and have many trees and plants in the rooms.
Solar Heating
People that live in cold climates will definitely
appreciate solar heating. Estimate how the sun moves during winter and summer
and design your home so that you let in as much of the suns heat as possible.
Open floors plan can also greatly benefit to the passive heating project.
Proper building materials allow you to store the suns heat in them. This
energy is later released in order to increase temperature.
Overhangs and shading can also greatly reduce
excessive summer heats while permitting the suns energy during the winter.
According to statistics the best window-to-wall ratio is 25-35 percent.