If you’re thinking of building a new home or renovating your current home, chances are that you would probably have given much thought to the architectural style and interior design elements that you want to showcase. However, something you might not have thought about is the energy-efficiency of your custom home design. In this post, we take a closer look at how you might be able to lower your future electricity bills by putting a little more thought into designing a more energy-efficient home, saving you significant amounts of money in the long run.
Window Placement and Layout Optimisation
An important consideration when it comes to energy-efficient design is window placement and layout optimisation. By having your windows facing a direction which receives more sunlight and unblocked by large pieces of furniture, you can maximise the amount of natural light that you are able to enjoy in your home. This can reduce the need for you to turn on artificial lighting during the day, helping you reduce your electricity bills.
Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
At the same time, installing energy-efficient windows and doors can also help you save money on heating and cooling. Such windows and doors typically have better insulating properties, enabling them to reduce the heat transfers between the inside and outside of your home. Your heating and cooling systems will thus be less taxed and will not require as much energy to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Energy-Efficient Appliances and Smart Home Technology
When choosing appliances for your home, opt for energy-efficient models as these can often lead to greater cost savings in the long term as they use less energy. Consider incorporating smart home technology into your home as well. Technologies such as automated climate control and motion-sensing lights can help to optimise the amount of energy being used by your appliances by automatically turning them off or reducing their energy consumption when not in use.
Solar Panels
If you have the opportunity to do so, consider installing solar panels on your roof as well since these can help you to harness the energy from the sun and reduce the amount of energy that your home draws from the power grid. Apart from solar panels, you can also consider installing solar windows or solar film as these can provide the same functionality but are often less costly and easier to maintain.
Design Your Custom Home with Australian Heritage Homes
If you’re looking to design an energy-efficient home, working with a professional home builder can have numerous benefits. Not only will you be able to tap into their industry experience but you can also rest assured that you aren’t making any mistakes that could end up being even more costly in the long term. Australian Heritage Homes is the number one provider of custom home building services in Melbourne and the surrounding area. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer!