Energy Savers For Your Log HomeEnergy Savers can help you reduce the cost of running your home. Major steps to consider:
* Site Seek an energy saving site. When looking for land for your new home try to find a site that offers southern exposure.This will take full advantage of passive solar heat.Preferably 20 degrees of due south. Hide behind Windbreaks. If at all possible build your home behind trees or hills to protect it from prevailing winds. If these are not an option than consider landscaping that will shelter the exposed part of your home. This will save on exterior maintenance and reduce your energy cost.
* Design Facing your home on the east-west axis will place one long wall of your house facing south , this will give you more heat and light.
Take your window placement in consideration when building. You will want most windows and the largest windows in your south - facing wall. And the fewest windows in the north wall. This will maximize natural lighting because log walls absorb light and will reduce the need for extra lighting fixtures.
Heavily used rooms such as great room ,dining or kitchen should be placed along south or east side of your home. Rooms that can be kept cool are better off on north or west side ( bedroom,storage,laundry,etc ).
Build overhangs that are wide enough to protect your windows from the high-angle summer sun. But not so wide as to block the winter sun. These overhangs also protect your exterior walls.
Areas of extreme cold or heat should create a double entry, such as an enclosed porch. This will block extreme temperatures and wind before they can enter your home. Everyone seems to love cathedral ceilings. But these ceilings impose extra demand on heating and cooling systems. This usally means you have to purchase a larger HVAC system. The Bottom Line: * Energy efficent heating and cooling system *Efficent hot water heater *High efficiency windows and doors *Solar panels can reduce your electrical consumpstion dramatically * Sealing and insulating your home
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