Energy efficiency for homes: What You Must to Know

Energy efficiency and the best way to use renewable energy have become a priority on the agendas of governments around the world because traditional energy sources are limited in nature, are increasingly expensive, generate dependence on the foreign market, and also have a significant impact on the environment and the ecosystem.

In today’s article, we want to talk about what is energy efficiency, the principal reasons why homeowners should consider energy efficiency at home. 

Whether the motivations for energy conservation are economic, environmental, or personal, the benefits of energy efficiency will have something to offer for everyone. 

 

What is energy efficiency?

The definition of energy efficiency is the optimization of energy consumption to achieve certain levels of comfort and service, for example, by adjusting electricity consumption to the real needs of users or implementing mechanisms to save energy by avoiding losses during the process.

Before we jump in, it’s important to know that being energy-efficient isn’t only about “going green” or reducing your electricity bill. The main goal is to manage the energy you need to live —whether it’s solar, wind power, electrical, geothermal, and so on — in a better way.

 

How to make an energy-efficient home

The first thing to consider in order to achieve houses that meet minimum energy efficiency standards is their construction. Let’s look at how to achieve energy efficiency in home design. 

Thermal insulation

Most of the energy in a house escapes through the walls, roof, windows, and floor. Also through thermal bridges, which are areas of the building envelope that involve irregularities in its insulation, and are not always visible. Taking care of the thermal and acoustic insulation of these elements significantly increases the energy efficiency of the building. For example, with double-glazed windows or thermal breaks.

Ventilation system

Another key point is ventilation, which is also responsible for significant energy loss. It is important to have an aeration system that avoids condensation and humidity.

Air conditioning and heating

In winter, geothermal heat pumps allow heat to be extracted from the earth’s interior for heating and hot water in the home. In summer, on the other hand, the extracted heat is transferred to the subsoil to cool the house. Another option is to replace the coal boiler and radiators with biomass boilers, a very convenient option also for newly built homes. 

Solar energy

The sun is a key natural resource. Not only for taking advantage of the building’s orientation but also for the energy savings provided by the installation of solar panels for your home. Therefore, when building a new house or renovating the existing one, it is essential to do it under energy-saving criteria.

Passive House

The Passivhaus standard is a voluntary energy certification standard for new buildings and renovations, in any climate, that seeks maximum comfort for users, good indoor air quality, and near-zero energy consumption. Check out our complete article about what are Passivhaus houses.

 

Benefits of energy efficiency

Here are the reasons why it is important to improve energy efficiency: 

 

Save money

As a homeowner, energy costs can make up a significant portion of your recurring monthly expenses. With energy-efficient appliances and home upgrades, you can save anywhere from five to 30 percent on your utility bills. It is mean such way that life cost-effective. 

Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy throughout their service lives without sacrificing quality and are an excellent way to save on your energy bills. 

Enhance your quality of life

Automated lighting, programmable thermostats, double-paned windows, and insulation are only some of the ways that you can improve your comfort while being energy-efficient. 

Sensors and smart plugs will not only save you money; they will also make your life easier. Imagine never having to think again about whether you left the lights on. Energy efficiency also prevents the buildup of indoor pollutants, a major concern in areas with high radon emissions.

Protect the environment

Energy efficiency is a great way to reduce your carbon emissions. Every little change you make in order to become energy-efficient can bring positive effects to other people’s lives, especially by having in mind that 91 percent of the world’s population lives in places where air quality exceeds OMS guideline limits.

Sustainable use of energy is not only related to the environment. It can also have an impact on your personal health.

Increase your property value

Energy-efficient homes frequently sell for a higher price than standard homes with comparable features. Every project that increases your home’s energy efficiency adds a fraction of its cost to the final selling price. In addition, private residences with green certifications have been proven to sell at a premium compared to similar homes in the area.

Rethinking how we waste energy each and every day will make our green homes and communities more resilient. In Luxury Real State Barcelona we care about the environment and we present to you how our eco-friendly apartments work.