New builds offer homeowners a great opportunity to achieve energy efficient living. If energy efficiency is important to you – what are the steps you should take to achieve the right results?

Mill Electrical are experts at helping our clients to design and build energy efficient homes. This article takes a closer look at some of the most important factors that influence the energy efficiency of your home.

Begin at planning stage
It may seem obvious but the best place to start is at the beginning. Before your architect begins to design your home it’s important to add energy efficiency into the brief. Whether your focus is on staying warm in winter or cool in the summer – or simply on keeping your power bills down – make sure your architect understands what you’re looking for.

Size and shape makes a big difference
The size and shape of your future home will make a big difference to how easy it is to heat or cool. Be realistic about your floor space and how you would like to use these spaces.

Harness your environment
The location of your house will go a long way to supporting your energy efficiency goals. Orienting your home correctly and planning window size and location effectively can deliver access to warming winter sun while minimising the heat from strong summer rays.

Tree plantings can also help to provide shelter and shade during the hot months of summer. Consider using deciduous plantings so that winter sun gets through where summer sun does not.

Planning your roof to maximise solar generation is an important element in reducing your power bills. If you do choose to include solar panels, your architect and electrician will be able to help you plan your heating and water systems around the energy you generate.

Keep it in
Once you’ve got your home at optimum temperature you need to eliminate the cost of keeping it there. That means ensuring your building is as airtight as possible. This will reduce the cost of heating or cooling air coming in from outside.

In summer, ensuring your home is adequately ventilated becomes equally important. Ventilation ensures moisture is removed from your home and the air quality is maintained.

Insulation is also important if your focus is on energy efficiency. Modern houses enjoy insulation in walls, ceilings and underfloors, along with the insulating benefits of double or triple glazing. Focus on the highest grade of insulation you can access and you’ll notice a real difference when it comes to the cost of heating or cooling your home.

Find the right heating system for your needs
Plan your heating system before you build your home and enjoy exploring the full range of options available. Underfloor heating can be an effective and efficient way to heat modern homes – especially when connected with solar energy generation.

Heat pumps and underfloor heating both offer options for controlling temperature while you’re at work. Consider the design of your home and whether you’re focused on heating/cooling a specific space or the total home. Temperature control in each room ensures you can enjoy every metre of your new home – whatever the season.

Light it up
LED lighting comes as standard in modern homes. Homeowners can adapt design and style to suit their needs and energy efficiency goals.

Remember to consider your lighting needs inside and outside the home. Lighting can form an important part of landscaping and garden design as well as enhancing the security of your property.

Make sure you consult with an electrical expert from the beginning of your build process so they can help you match the right heating solutions to your needs.

If you’ve decided to build a new home, contact Mill Electrical. We’re your local electrical experts and we’ve got years of experience helping homeowners find the right options for their new build. We also keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to new technology so we can help you find the latest technology to achieve your energy efficiency goals.