"Can Energy Efficient House Plans be Simplified and Effective?"
In the last few years the quest for the “holy grail” regarding energy efficient house plans has really been underway since the word “green” has become almost a household term. I do not think the ultimate will ever be reached in our search for perfect energy efficiency. However, I do feel however that we are constantly getting closer.
And as you will see, major benefits can be attained without getting complicated. (Watch the video and let us know what you think. Pay special attention on the section starting at the 9:45 mark...)
The Common Goal of Energy Efficient Home Design
German designers are working on what is a total passive solar design. In their quest for better energy efficient house plans they are hoping to build homes that rely solely on solar power. This means achieving the absolute best in insulation, solar gain, lot positioning of the home, etc., all while maintaining a workable plan that it is usable for each individual client. Their designs really impressed me. They are very close to achieving energy efficient home designs that rely on zero external power to maintain a comfortable living space.
Two Main Persisting Design Problems
There are long periods, usually in winter, when the sun is not powerful. So, unless the design incorporates a huge battery back-up system, at some point external power will be needed.
The unfortunate thing about these energy efficient house plans is that they can still be a little bit out of the reach of the ordinary working man. The good news is every year "green products" are becoming more affordable. There are various products on the market that will help you achieve an energy efficient home design without breaking the bank, but you will still need some external power source other than the sun.
Simple Energy Efficient House Plans Factors to Consider
Let me go over a few minor details that are easy to overlook when designing a dream home based on energy efficiency.
Matching your floor plan with your lot. Everybody wants or should want excellent curb appeal for their dream home. If the front of your house faces south, it should be designed in such a way that it looks good but also maximizes the amount of windows on that side. The same is true for the opposite: if the front of your house faces north it should have minimal windows but still have a great design to be attractive.
The same can be said for any side of your house. You do not want to put a garage on the south side unless you absolutely have no choice. Why? A garage closes off any possibility to put a lot of windows in that side.
Having an open floor plan. This is a big step in energy efficiency. It is much easier to heat several open spaces then a bunch of small rooms. This also means less duct work and less expense in the installation process.
Improving the Insulation Factor Itself. There are still many builders using standard frame construction and installing fiberglass insulation as the main exterior wall system. Then they use large windows on the south side of the home, put in geothermal heating/cooling systems and call it “green.” This practice makes me want to scream, "Foul play!" Here’s why...
Building a new home with an efficient heating system and inefficient insulation system is akin to driving a car in the winter time with the heater on high and the windows rolled down. Do not go there!
The Easy "Green" Solution
What is the most efficient way to get a "green" or energy efficient house plan with the least expense? No matter what steps you take in designing your energy efficient house plans, if the insulation in the walls and roof is not adequate you are throwing money out the window. Not to mention a whole lot of heat!
The easiest solution to becoming energy efficient is to use structural insulated panels. These are available in many different forms, but the most effective form that I have found are the ones that are made in the factory and customized to your home.
Bringing it Together for You
Here at Larry's Home Designs we are proud to be part of a company that handles very high quality polyurethane insulation structural insulated panels. These are custom-built to your energy efficient floor plans with the window and door openings precut when they arrive on the job site. The roof panels are also pre-cut to your specific roof design.
These panels add a much higher insulation value than a typical frame wall and roof. They can speed up construction, save energy for years and years to come, and make you a much happier home owner.
Keeping it Simple with Measurable Energy Saving Results
Energy efficient house plans do not need to be complicated. Using the right insulation system is a big first step to massive energy savings. The proper SIPs coupled with the simple strategies detailed above level the playing field for even modest new home budgets to stay in the "green" game and contribute to the ecosystem while enjoying personal long-term savings.
Return from this Energy Efficient House Plans page to the Green House Plans page
Go to the Larry's House Plans Guide home page
 |
A Free Gift for You Because I Truly Care How You Will Experience Living In Your New Home...
Jump-start your dream home planning by claiming your "Fast Start Home Design Guide" below. Simply fill out the following form...
A Few Comments:
"Thank you! Received the plans yesterday. They look great. We will definitely recommend you. I'm so excited now to have a visual. We'll have you out when it's all done.
Take care and God bless."
- Tommy & Christine
Mohnton, PA
"In my line of work I build both log and conventional homes. It can be difficult to find someone who can draw prints for both styles. I received a flyer in advertising Larry's Home Design. I was planning to build a house for myself and decided to try Larry's that way I could guage whether I would use him for my clients. I was very impressed and since then Larry's Home Design draws prints for all our customers."
- Marvin Fisher
Denlinger-Fisher Builders
New Holland PA
You might find this helpful if you are looking for even more personalized design strategies before finalizing your own plans…
"…very easy to work with and quickly understood what we wanted. Larry, I truly enjoyed working with you on the design. You were always there to talk to me… It was wonderful for me getting to help the guys build the house and see it come to life. It was a lot of work, but now we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. Please stop in and see us whenever you can. You are always welcome."
- Keith Johnson
Bainbridge, OH
"Believe me, Larry & his ability to design structures, is a 'jewel in the rough.' I was referred to him as an experienced log home designer & I had either a log (or log slab) home in mind. I contacted Larry, & in no time, had plans & the specifications. This was to the last nail & piece of siding.
Larry's work is reasonably priced & excellent quality. He knows builders & suppliers who can have you in 'front of the fireplace' in no time."
- James E. Vaughan
Groveport, OH
Larry,
... Thanks again for your help with these. You have been by far the best designer we have dealt with, both communication wise and product quality wise. Everything I have looked at had been excellent. Keep up the good work.
- Thanks Gary
Crockett Log Homes