
02 Apr What is the Most Energy- Efficient Way to Heat Your Home?
With energy efficiency at the forefront of the construction industry, the need for energy efficient heating solutions has become increasingly important. With the right strategy, it’s possible to reduce the amount of energy used for heating while still providing a comfortable living space. Read on to discover some of the more energy-efficient heating options available, that can help to reduce your carbon footprint and save you thousands in utility costs.
What Are the Most Energy Efficient Types of Heating?
- Geothermal heating – Geothermal heating is a type of heating system that utilizes the constant temperature of the ground to provide heating and cooling for a building. A geothermal heat pump system consists of a ground loop, which is buried underground, and a heat pump unit inside the building. The heat pump unit extracts heat from the ground in the winter to warm the building and transfers heat from the building to the ground in the summer to cool the building. This system is highly energy efficient, as it only requires a small amount of electricity to operate, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.
- Radiant heating – Radiant heating is a type of heating system that provides warmth by emitting heat directly from the floor or walls of a room. It works by circulating warm water or electrically heated wires through pipes or electrical cables in the floor or walls. The heat radiates into the room, warming the surfaces and objects in the space, rather than heating the air directly. Radiant heating is a highly efficient type of heating, as it provides warmth directly to people and objects, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Some common types of radiant heating systems include hydronic radiant floor heating and electric radiant heating.
These systems have a high energy efficiency rating, meaning they use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, reducing your emissions and energy bills. There are many other types of heating, including ducted and split systems, that have energy-efficient models and functions to minimise energy consumption. It’s also important to consider factors such as your location, climate, and energy costs before selecting a heating system.
As experienced home builders, Canberra’s Elliott Hardie Homes have created many contemporary, sustainable family homes in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, that have been designed to maximise energy-efficiency. Our home designers can help you select the most appropriate heating and cooling systems to suit your needs, budget, and design aesthetic.
Tips for More Energy-Efficient Heating
Besides the heating system itself, there are a few other things you need to consider when building a new home to ensure maximum efficiency when it comes to heating.
Ensure Insulation is Adequate
No matter which heating system you select, it won’t be very energy-efficient if insulation is lacking. A well-insulated home provides year-round comfort, while reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. Insulation can be installed in all parts of your home – an experienced domestic builder will ensure your new home is sufficiently insulated to meet energy-efficiency requirements.
Consider Window Size and Placement
The size, position, glazing and frame composition of your windows will influence the amount of heat gain or loss for your new home. Windows should seal well, the frame should conduct as little heat as possible, and the glazing should resist heat transfer. Double glazing is a great option. The design and style of the windows (louvres, outward opening, sliding) should also be chosen to enable passive ventilation pathways, and not obstruct or hinder them.
Incorporate a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are advanced digital thermostats that use Wi-Fi connectivity to provide greater control over a building’s heating and cooling systems. They allow you to adjust the temperature and monitor energy usage from anywhere using a smartphone app or web interface. Some smart thermostats also have features such as learning algorithms that adjust the temperature based on your schedule, occupancy, and weather patterns, making them more energy efficient than traditional thermostats. They can also be integrated with other smart home devices for even greater control and efficiency. Overall, smart thermostats can help reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
In the Canberra region, heating makes up such a large part of the household energy bill, so it’s important to plan the heating system in your new home carefully to ensure maximum energy efficiency. While the initial outlay of an energy-efficient system may considerably higher, in the long term you will enjoy a warm and comfortable home with significantly lower bills, and the peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment.
Expert Home Builders – Canberra Region and Beyond
Experienced in sustainable design and construction of custom residential properties, the team at Elliott Hardie creates high-end homes with a strong focus eco building principles. Dedicated to sustainability, we are constantly evolving and utilising leading edge, environmentally efficient technologies, and materials. Get in touch with us today to find out more – call 02 6170 2438 or enquire online now.