The “El Dorado ” of house design, aside from livability and shelter from Mother Nature’s occasional wrath, is a house that uses no energy in its construction or daily operation. That is a laudable aim but in today’s world it’s really not going to happen without a lot of change in the process. However, there are some steps that can be taken during construction or a major renovation to reduce your energy bills. In addition, there are simple lifestyle changes that can be made to control energy costs over the long run. Let’s split them into two categories, construction tips and lifestyle changes.

Construction

The biggest bill you fill face in the south is electricity. Water will come second and, unlike colder climates, other fuels are really out of the picture. It simply does not get cold enough. Looking at electricity, in cost order the culprits will be:

• climate control
• lighting
• appliances

Climate control

Climate control is basically air conditioning to ease the sometimes unrelenting South Carolina heat, with a little heating perhaps in the coldest winter months. As one who grew up in the UK seeing his winter breath in the bedroom, it’s not cold here in comparison. To give the heating a fighting chance, double glazing and solar controlled glass should always be used. However, your choices often in historic buildings are more limited to single panes only. We seal windows, and rely on the trusted method of installing blinds and shutters, time honored and reliable ways to control the harsh rays of the sun. For new build there is an additional recommendation to limit windows on the south and west facing walls. however, if you must have them there, build wide porches to give full shade. The classic lowcountry architectural style evolved for a reason!

Additionally, During construction or renovation look to seal the loft spaces, it reduces heat ingress, keeps critters out and the roof on in a big wind. Generally we use closed cell spray foam if at all possible in the attic. It extends the heated boundary line right to the roof itself and greatly reduces the temperature both in the attic spaces and room ceilings. Air circulation is reduced but should not be eliminated in such a humid climate. BAT or Fiberglass insulation is used on walls and under floor spaces but closed cell foam is, in our opinion, better and great for renovations as it also forms a vapor barrier that’s often missing in older homes. In new-build construction fiberglass insulation is easier, though spray foam remains our favorite. There are some advanced insulation materials available with R15 or more in a single layer (Insulation level are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation) or rising to R22 so if doubled up. These are great for insulating without adding bulk to a roof space.

Lighting

Lighting is changing quickly. We have recently seen incandescent bulbs give way to fluorescent equivalents though for exposed bulbs they can be ugly. LED are developing fast, payback is still an issue and can be 5 years or more but they do not burn out and they run cool so are great for high vaulted ceilings or external lights subject to the vagaries of weather. Installed dimmers need to be suitable for LED. There are some “warmer colored ” lighting options available now rather than the initial harsh white and blue tones. Give this technology a year or so to mature and they will be a cost effective option. At home we have also fitted IR sensors (person detectors) to light switches in closet spaces, they turn off when you leave – no more shouting at the children.

Appliances

Whenever feasible retrofit to a tankless water heater. This technology is a vast improvement over previous water heaters. The old hot water tanks don’t waste water, they waste energy keeping themselves warm all the time, as well as radiating low level heat for the air conditioning to later remove. A double whammy so to speak. In construction and renovation we generally use low volume flush toilets as well, they simply use less water and operate efficiently at the same time. Energy efficient appliances are great, and readily available from refrigerators to dishwashers and washer/dryers.

Lifestyle

The best ways to save energy are totally under your control.

– Live in a smaller house

– Keep blinds drawn on the sunny side. This is worth while in reducing radiant loads.

– Open the windows in the Fall and Spring instead of using the air conditioner at all.

– Turn the air conditioner a few degrees warmer; turn it down further for rooms used infrequently or invest in an automatic programmable thermostat.

NOTE: Let our renovation team at Luxury Simplified show you ways to renovate your home to increase its energy efficiency.