| 1. InsulationAdequate insulation is integral to an | | | | These energy efficient pumps help you maintain a |
| energy efficient home. Exterior walls, basement | | | | comfortable interior climate with significantly lower |
| walls, floors and attics should be properly insulated | | | | energy usage and costs. |
| to increase energy efficiency and cut heating and | | | | 7. Solar panels |
| cooling costs. | | | | Incorporating solar panels into your home's design |
| 2. Window selection | | | | will deliver a high rate of return and will allow you |
| Energy saving windows are becoming increasingly | | | | to run your home partly, or entirely, off-grid. |
| popular and more affordable. Both the number of | | | | 8. Exterior materials |
| windows and type of windows you use in your | | | | Speak with your architect about using |
| home will affect heating costs in winter and | | | | heat-reflective exterior materials, which will |
| cooling costs in summer. | | | | passively lower energy costs for the lifetime of |
| 3. Window and door placement | | | | your home. |
| Placement of windows and doors should be | | | | 9. Duct sealing |
| completed in a manner that takes advantage of | | | | Ensure that all ducts are taped and sealed to |
| natural sunlight. Solar screens can be used to | | | | prevent heat loss. |
| diffuse direct sunlight. | | | | 10. Landscaping |
| 4. Skylights | | | | Energy efficiency does not end with the design of |
| Well-placed skylights allow natural light to bathe | | | | the structure. Landscaping design can be used to |
| the interior of your home, decreasing your need | | | | increase the energy efficiency of your home, |
| for artificial, electric lighting. | | | | such as strategically placing trees to provide |
| 5. Storm water management | | | | shade in summer. |
| Proper management of storm water will allow you | | | | Incorporating energy efficient home design into a |
| to reduce runoff and utilize the water for | | | | new or existing structure is a worthwhile |
| landscaping, reducing your need for water | | | | endeavor that lowers the environmental impact of |
| delivered to your home through pipes and | | | | your home and will allow you to save money on |
| electronic sprinkler systems. | | | | energy costs for the lifetime of your home. |
| 6. Geo-thermal heat pumps | | | | |