Designing an Energy Efficient HomeArticle is Courtesy of Honest Abe Log Homes Honest Abe Log Homes designs its log cabins, timber frame homes and log homes with energy efficiency in mind. This saves our homeowners money on energy bills and reduces the carbon footprint. Here are a few ideas: Orient the home to maximize solar gain: Orienting the home to take advantage of the sun’s energy can help to naturally heat and light the home. South-facing windows can be used to allow sunlight to enter the home, while shading devices can be used to block the sun’s rays during the hottest part of the day. Use energy-efficient windows:Energy-efficient windows can help to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. They can also reduce the amount of UV light that enters the home, which can help to protect furnishings and reduce fading. Insulate the home: Proper insulation can help to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It can also reduce noise pollution from the outside. Fortunately, log home walls do not require insulation. Even traditional chinked log homes are very energy efficient. Find out more about how our timber frame homes that utilize structural insulated panels helped one customer save money. Added thot. The usual places that need "energy loss" attention during construction are predictable. They are [1] around windows and doors, [2] roof peaks, [3] where the roof meets the walls, and [4] in the subfloor of crawl space or basement ceilings. Be sure that your contractor pays close attention to insulating these places. Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting: Choosing energy-efficient appliances and lighting can help to reduce energy usage and lower energy bills. Use passive solar design principles:Passive solar design involves using the sun’s energy to naturally heat and cool the home. Strategies can include using thermal mass materials to absorb and store heat, using windows and skylights to allow sunlight to enter the home, and using strategic landscaping to block the sun’s rays during the hottest part of the day. Consider using renewable energy sources: Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or a wind turbine, can help to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint. Honest Abe’s log homes are built with renewal materials. It’s important to carefully consider the specific needs and characteristics of your home and location when designing an energy-efficient home. There are a range of other options for energy efficiency that can be incorporated into a log home.
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