Top 5 tips for an energy efficient home

Energy efficiency is a significant benefit to a home’s value. It saves on utility costs, improves living comfort, and reduces the carbon footprint. Not to mention that it boosts resale value in the property market down the track.

From a well-insulated build to the spaces you designate for built-in appliances, this article lists the top tips that will transform your home and lifestyle.

Top 5 energy efficient home designs

1. Use solar energy

The sun is the most significant and energy-efficient source of power. Using it to power your home can save you thousands per year. Installing solar panels on your roof will allow you to use solar energy for lighting, heating, cooling, some appliances, and a solar hot water system.

Consider the use of solar panels from the beginning of your building journey, as it will require specific positioning to maximise its potential for energy efficiency. Building a home near objects that block the sun, like trees or taller neighbouring homes, won’t benefit your solar energy solutions.

2. Install good insulation

Temperatures fluctuate, no matter where your home is located. With the intense heat of summer and the unexpected cool dips of winter, Australian homes experience constant change that can affect comfort, lifestyle, and even the lifespan of building materials within the home.

Older Australian homes weren’t typically insulated, but with the rise of modern materials, you can instantly feel the massive difference in temperature stability when comparing insulated and uninsulated homes. The indoor air quality feels cleaner, and your heating and cooling systems aren’t running continuously, resulting in significantly lower power bills. It doesn’t just regulate your home’s temperature, but it also soundproofs your home, creating a peaceful environment from outside noise pollution.

3. Use energy- efficient appliances

Have you seen the Energy Star rating stickers on new appliances? Referring to these is your best bet for ensuring the appliances you choose will keep your power bills low. A high Energy Star rating means a more energy- efficient appliance.

To design a home with energy-efficient appliances, avoid creating extra space. Too much space may lead you to buy larger appliances that you don’t really need. A bigger washing machine with the same Energy Star rating as a smaller one will still use more energy. Only buy what you really need, and think about the space for appliances when choosing your home layout.

4. Install LED lighting

For older homes, removing halogen lights can make a massive difference to your power bill. When building new homes, it’s best to design the interior with LED lights to improve energy efficiency and adequately light spaces.

LED lights are available in a variety of hues, colours, and styles, helping you design an interior with ambience and energy efficiency. However, where you can use big windows for bright, natural lighting, don’t over-install lights. Find a balance of natural light during the day and adequate lighting fixtures at night to reduce unneeded energy consumption.

5. Install double-glazed windows

Double and triple-glazed windows go hand in hand with insulation. A home design with large windows can be a beautiful addition to the build, capable of transforming the space from ordinary to luxurious, no matter the house's location. 

Without the double or triple-glaze, however, external temperatures can seep through the glass (sometimes even acting as a heating or cooling element that makes the inside hotter in summer and colder in winter).

Before building, consider how much natural lighting you want in your home, and install insulated glass to keep the inside temperature at a comfortable level.

Build an energy-efficient home today

Energy- efficient solutions require well-thought-out home design plans. With Mojo Homes, you can build a home that suits your needs and lowers the long-term running costs. You can consult our experienced team to see what home designs work best for you, or view our gallery to find your mojo.

Contact Us

View Our Image Gallery