There are many features about a home that make a
difference in the amount of energy needed for heating,
cooling and lighting. Thus, these features can have a
major impact on the amount of money you devote to
maintaining the winter and summer comfort of occupants.
This checklist will help you evaluate the energy-saving
potential of various housing features.
Housing features to consider include: Site; House
Design; Construction and Insulation; Heating and Cooling System; Color and Lighting.
Site
House is located on south or southwest slope of hill
(sun hits at angle so greatest solar heat is received
through south windows in winter).
House is protected from winter wind by a hill or
placement of garage/carport (air infiltration and heat
loss are reduced when wind velocity is lower)
House is built into a hillside or partially into the
ground (the relatively constant year-round ground
temperature reduces winter heat loss through below-grade
walls and provides a cooling effect during summer).
The long axis of the house runs east and west (allows
more windows on the south to take advantage of winter
sun, and south windows can be protected from summer sun
by awnings, roof overhang, trees).
Large deciduous shade trees are planted on south and
west side of house (to provide summer shade during the
hottest part of the day, but allow winter sun to heat
house)
Low evergreen trees and shrubs or a slatted fence are
placed on side of house exposed to winter winds (to
provide a wind break and reduce air infiltration,; avoid
high evergreens on southeast, south and southwest as they
block winter sun from house).
House Design
Main roof ridge runs east and west (for better summer
cooling and to provide a more desirable location for a
solar heat collector in the future).
Shape of house is a slight rectangle (long rectangles
L-shapes H-shapes T-shapes and U-shapes provide more
outside wall surface for heatloss).
Entry halls for front and back doors can be closed
off to form "vestibules" (thus reducing flow of cold air
to inside and warm air to outside).
Main living area, where the living room, family room,
dining room and kitchen are located, has as few
partitions as possible (for best heat distribution).
Bedroom wing can be closed off (so heating and air-
conditioning can be reduced when not needed during the
day).
South windows have an overhang or awning deciduous
trees or vines (to shade from summer sun but allow winter
sun into the house).
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Tips & Techniques: Energy Checklist For Homes
