| If you plan to build a house you should really ask | | | | systems not only produce warm water practically |
| the architects to plan the new building in such a | | | | for free, but also increase considerably the value |
| manner that the energy loss in the winter or | | | | of a building. Some homeowners even use |
| during cold days is minimal. Think that circa half of | | | | rainwater systems to reduce water costs and |
| the heat loss happens through walls and poorly | | | | help protect the environment. The rainwater is |
| insulated window frames and an important | | | | collected in special containers and can be used as |
| percentage through ventilation systems. The | | | | drinking water after it is filtered and purified. Such |
| orientation of the new building is also important: | | | | rain harvesting systems are not always |
| north south, with large windows on the south and | | | | low-priced, but the savings they provide make |
| smaller on the north (if possible no windows at all | | | | the price worthwhile; in time you'll cover the cost |
| on the north). And don't overlook proper insulation. | | | | of your purchase. |
| If this is done right from the first phase of the | | | | If you have a boiler older than 10-15 years, you |
| building process, you'll not have energy loss | | | | should replace it and purchase a high efficiency |
| problems later or other problems such as mildew. | | | | condensing boiler. This might save you about 1/3 |
| However, if you already live in a poorly insulated | | | | on your heating bills because they convert more |
| building, don't despair! There are some simply | | | | than 88% of the fuel into heat, while conventional |
| ways of improving energy efficiency and they | | | | boilers convert about 70-75%. If you cannot |
| don't imply huge expenses. Start by replacing | | | | afford a new boiler you might consider insulating |
| your windows with low-emission glass windows | | | | your hot water tank and the water pipes to |
| (or just change the glass). Low-E is a new | | | | reduce heat loss. |
| technology based on a special metallic coating that | | | | Lighting should also be energy efficient. Traditional |
| is transparent to the solar spectrum and | | | | light bulbs need a lot of electricity. Fluorescent light |
| reflective of IR radiation that lowers the amount | | | | bulbs are better because they save energy |
| of energy loss. | | | | (needing only 25% of the amount of electricity |
| If your walls aren't insulated, depending on their | | | | needed by a traditional light bulb), have longer life |
| construction, there are three insulation types you | | | | spans (up to 10 times longer) and generate less |
| should consider to reduce energy loss: cavity, | | | | heat. Sure, they are more expensive than a |
| internal and external. Insulation will reduce heat | | | | traditional light bulb but the longer lifetime and |
| loss and certainly the energy bills. And don't forget | | | | energy savings compensate for this. Overall, |
| installing draught excluders on your doors and | | | | these simple energy saving tips, plus purchasing |
| windows. | | | | energy efficient home appliances, will reduce |
| Solar systems - like solar hot water panels - could | | | | energy costs for the cold season and will make |
| provide more than 50% of your annual hot water | | | | your building more comfortable, while increasing its |
| needs. There are more and more homeowners | | | | value. |
| installing solar panels on their houses. Such | | | | |