Architecture and Energy Consumption

Climate change. Energy efficiency. Solar power. Electric vehicles. Renewable energy. Recycling. Everywhere you look, there are new buzzwords and conversations happening about the ways in which we harvest and use energy. For most Americans, the way we can influence energy consumption starts at home with our houses and our vehicles. We all know that hybrid and electric cars are becoming more prevalent on the roads today and will likely be replacing standard gasoline cars in the coming years. But what about your home? How can you better manage energy consumption related to your residence?

how to manage energy consumption

Why is energy efficiency important?

Better energy efficiency in homes offers a lot of benefits to both the homeowner and the environment. An energy efficient home costs less to heat and cool, even in extreme temperatures. Energy efficient homes are more easily able to maintain interior temperatures and have fewer drafts and hot spots. Since the home requires less energy to keep it comfortable, it makes less demands on the power grid, which saves you money and is good for the environment.

home’s energy efficiency

How can you improve your home’s energy efficiency?

There are a lot of ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home. Some changes can be quite costly, so you have to weigh the initial cost versus the energy savings over time. Other simple adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference in your home’s energy consumption.

When looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, the first place to start is with an understanding of your home’s architecture. 

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Architecture

Different styles of homes are popular in different parts of the country for a reason. Different types of architecture are better suited to various climates. For example, you don’t see many huge Victorian-style homes in the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. The climate makes homes like that very difficult to maintain and to properly regulate the interior temperature. When homes are designed and built to take advantage of a particular climate, they are much easier to maintain at the proper temperature. The quality of materials and workmanship can also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a home. If the home is properly insulated and sealed when it’s built, then it will be more likely to last longer with fewer maintenance requirements over the life of the home.

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Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are a major component of a home’s architecture and design, and equally as important to a home’s energy efficiency. The quality of the windows and doors, as well as the quality of the installation will be major factors in how a home maintains interior temperature. The importance of choosing the right windows and doors for your home simply can’t be overstated. The right windows can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs over the years. And the wrong windows can cost you just as much, or even more. If you’re not sure what windows will work best for your home, consider an expert consultation to help you learn more about the right windows and doors for your home. The right windows will not only improve your home’s energy efficiency, but they will also add value to your home’s design aesthetic and be a pleasure to look at for many years to come.

Energy Consumption and Architecture

Other Energy Considerations

Your home’s design isn’t the only way energy consumption can be managed. You should also complete a thorough check of your HVAC system to ensure it is sized correctly for your home and working efficiently to heat and cool your home. Other small checks like making sure your home is properly sealed and insulated and that there isn’t hot or cold air leaking in around doors or windows can also make a big difference. Replacing old light fixtures with newer, more energy efficient ones can make a big difference, as can unplugging any unused electrical appliances to stop passive drainage.

windows energy efficiency

As you can see, there are a lot of ways that your home’s design, as well as your own habits can contribute to making your home more energy efficient.

At Portella, our goal is always to blend utility and beauty to create the best possible doors and windows for your home. Whether you need custom windows throughout your house, or one custom steel door to complete your home’s aesthetic, we have the solution for you. 

If your goal is to get the best possible energy efficiency in your home, take a look at some of the custom steel windows and doors we provide for stunning interior design additions. At Portella, we work with people to realize their visions of the perfect space, and we meticulously craft custom steel windows and doors to ensure the perfect aesthetic and function for every project.  

Is better energy efficiency one of the goals for your home? What changes have you made to improve your home’s energy efficiency?

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