Cut-Down Your Energy Use With Smart Lights- A Discussion!

Smart home lighting is always an important aspect of your oh-so energy-efficient homes. Other than brightening your property; they also improve home security, creates a good atmosphere and helps you cut down on your monthly bill.

And since; your home lighting accounts for approximately 6-8% of your home’s energy consumption; it does make sense to invest in quality energy-saving lights to turn your interior space into a pleasing and inviting one.

Digging Deeper Into Smart Lights For Your Energy-Efficient Home:-

Nowadays, the rise of smart home bulbs makes it possible for homeowners to control their lighting needs and in the process lessen its energy consumption. You can opt for smart bulbs to regulate your individual light needs.

However, as per energy-efficient home builders in Melbourne:-

“This may not be the best option for those wanting to integrate energy-conserving smart lights along with smart home assistance. Fortunately; for you; there are so many other alternatives that you can go for.”

Optimal options may include in the form of light dimmers, energy-saving lights along with a quality home energy management system much like a constellation connect. This helps reduce their home’s energy use and amp up their overall property protection.

As per their viewpoints; here are some smart lighting solutions to reduce your monthly electricity use.

Employing Smart Lighting Switches:-

They are a smart mode of regulating your home’s lighting and conserving energy consumption. As they are installed; you will be able to control one hard-wired energy-saving light switch- be it from your smart hub or smartphone. These smart lights can also be voice-controlled.

Some options which you can opt include:-

• Single Pole Smart Switch
• Three/Four-Way Smart Switch
• Plug-in Smart Switch

Setting Up Motion Sensors Whenever Applicable In Your House:-

Most motion sensor lighting help save energy by automatically switching off when it detects no activity in a particular room. You can even set it to trigger the lights only when there is a human activity (so as to prevent your cat’s from switching them on as she moves around your residence)

Where Can You Put Motion Sensors Inside Your Home

Motion sensors present the most energy-saving convenience to homeowners (as explained above). Some of those common areas where you can think of installing them include:-

• Basement
• Entryways
• Garages
• Closets
• Bathroom, kitchen
• Outside the main gate
• Hallways
• Children’s rooms

And other high traffic areas in your house.

Adding Smart Light Dimmers :-

In terms of smart lighting options; you can choose from the following:-

• CFLs:- Compact fluorescent light bulbs are extremely energy-efficient. But not being specifically designed for dimmer switches, and when used, they may flicker and have a shortened lifespan.

• LEDs:- They are presently the best lighting option for smart, energy efficient homes. They also last a long time and is compatible with LED dimmer switches.

• Halogen Bulbs:- When used with dimmer switches, they tend to use 20% less energy, in comparison to when they are not dimmed. But these bulbs may not always be appropriate for all homes.

For large spaces, halogen bulbs may prove less energy efficient, and that negates the benefit of using dimmer switches. If you have a large space, then you can opt for a standard low-wattage bulb.

And, Including Smart Energy-Efficient Timers :-

These energy-saving timers are usually placed between the plug and wall outlet. And they are fitted to turn off the plugged-in home item at any particular time.

They are also referred to as timer switches, smart energy-efficient timers and they come with multiple usages. These timers help turn on your home lights at predetermined moments, right before you enter your home after work.

Energy-Efficient Timers Are Mainly Used To Regulate

• Hot tubs and pool filters
• Outdoor security lights
• Small appliances (like for instance computer, radios, flatirons, etc.)
• Water heating appliances
• Indoor lighting

Now that you have a clear perspective on smart energy-efficient home lighting solutions, be sure to discuss these with your home builder about these installations.

Also make it a point to always procure high performance building supplies in Melbourne for your dream home construction. You can even consult with your chosen builder to decide which option will work best for your specific requirements.

How The Design Of An Energy Efficient Functions?

When things come down to discussing the designs of energy-efficient homes, there a number of intricate issues involved. In fact, when we speak about the efficacy or the energy efficiency of these homes, it revolves around the successful coordination of some fundamental elements. All these elements work in close sync with each other to return the desired end effect of a passive house.

Here on this page, we discuss some of these elements, around which the functionality of each energy-efficient home involves.

Proper Orientation of the Windows:

In the typical energy-efficient house, windows or other inlets & devices that collect solar energy, generally face 30 degrees true south and should remain shaded for avoiding overheating during the summers.

During the fall, spring and the winter months, however, they should not ideally remain shaded. This will keep the right balance of heating and cooling effects during the entire season.

Thermal Mass:

Thermal Mass in a passive home generally includes the concrete, stone, bricks, tiles and the likes, which absorb heat from the outside world during the summer days, keeping the interiors cool, and retains the warm air in the house, helping the interiors to remain warm and cozy during the winters.

Other thermal masses in passive solar homes include water and the phase change products. These masses are extremely efficient in storing heat. In the well-insulated homes that are located in a moderate or extreme climate, the thermal mass created by the furnishings and of course, the drywalls of the home is more than sufficient.

This will help in the elimination of the very need for additional thermal storage materials, thus increasing the energy efficiency by manifolds.

Mechanisms of Distributions

Solar heat is transferred from its collection points, and are stored in various vantage points of the house, through the process of conduction, radiation and convection.

In certain smaller homes, small blowers and fans are engaged for able distribution of the heat. Conduction takes place as and when and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers.

Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, various kinds of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.

Heat is transmitted through a medium like air as it moves from warmer to colder areas, and then all over the home.

Control Strategies

Appropriately sized and strategically placed roof overhangs generate shades to vertical south windows during the summers. Other control approaches that add to the energy efficiency includes various types of electronic sensing devices like a thermostat, multiple types of operable vents and dampers, which allow as well as restrict heat flow, low-emissivity blinds, awnings and operable insulation shutters.

So you see, passive house builders Melbourne use all these techniques and strategies to make the very mechanism of a passive house function. 

A Few Handy Plans that Passive House Builders Adopt

Expert passive house builders take an altogether different approach to come up with energy-efficient homes. Now the approach surely changes from one project to another depending upon the budget and the layout of the plan. Still, the principle upon which the plans are based remains more or less the same.
Now the main motive behind planning such homes remains constant – that is making sure that the home consumes as little energy as possible. How the experts achieve that through planning? Here are a few examples.

Dealing with the Facet in a special way

When it comes to designing the facet, the passive house builders in Melbourne will make sure that it faces the western sun instead of the eastern one. In other words, it will be the setting sun or a much feebler sun that the facet will be facing. Thus, they can minimise the extent of sunlight getting inside the building, thereby helping the interiors to remain cooler.

Setting up brick volumes on the ground floor 

Setting up multiple brick volumes at strategic locations of the ground floor will create enough shades, which will again make the interiors cooler. It does so by obstructing the unabated flow of sunlight chronologically. When that happens, the interior by default will create a much cooler ambience, which will reduce the need for artificial cooling significantly.

Setting up a connection with the backyard lawn

One noble idea is giving the space more scope to facilitate air circulation, which makes the interiors cooler and healthier. This is done by setting up multiple sets of large sliding doors on either side of the dining area on the ground floor (these buildings usually follow the rule of reverse living. They get directly connect the interiors to the backyard lawn, thus facilitating freer flow of air in and out of the room. This naturally makes the interior airier and more energy efficient.

Setting up polished concrete surfaces and internal brick walls

At times, the makers of energy-efficient homes would cover the internal brick walls with polished concrete surfaces. This concrete surface provides that thermal mass, which keeps the interiors cool and comfortable even in the height of Aussie summers.

Setting up white walls and fit-outs 

Alternatively, they would set up white walls and back them with white fit-outs, which will give the home enough light and summery atmosphere during the winters, making the room warmer than what they would have been, otherwise. Again, these rooms generally have windows with tinted glass, which when closed during summer, makes the rooms cooler. So you see, it helps both ways in two different seasons.
Thus, the experts in most of the cases would put into effect passive solar design mechanisms, and this allows the building to optimise its thermal efficiency at the end of the day. 

Why Should You Invest In Double Glazed Windows?

Double glazed windows- as the name suggests implies windows made of two layers of glass. Both the panels are separated by a space that is filled with inert gas, or it may be left as some vacuum. Most double glazed glass windows are known to provide proper insulation for houses. But its benefits go far beyond this.

“Keeps Condensation Away.”

At first, condensation forming on your windows may not seem like a big deal. But truth be told, it has far-reaching consequences. Those condensed water can cause mildew and mould. Furthermore, the humidity could also cause rotting of the window frames.

But you don’t have to worry about any condensation issues on installing double glazed windows. And with reduced condensation levels; you won’t have to mull over repair and upkeep expenses.

“Increased Level Of Security.”

Most double glazed windows are way harder to break in comparison to its single glazed ones. Proving to be more difficult to force open from the outside, it keeps your home safe from burglar entry.

If you wish to increase the security level more; you can also fit in toughened or laminated glass double glazed windows. They are popular and prove to be a quality choice for energy-efficient home projects.

“Reduces The Quantity Of UV Radiation Getting Into The House.”

Most of your belongings that are near to the window or door are constantly exposed to the sunlight. Be it your furniture, decor, carpets, etc. all of them can incur damage due to UV exposure.

However; when you add double glazed windows; you also protect your furniture or interior decor not just from the UV rays, but also from temperature fluctuations. So, that is another perk of fitting double glazing windows.

“Lessen Energy Consumption & Environmental Impacts.”

Over the course of the century, there’s been incredible growth and development of energy-efficient properties. More use of high-performance building supplies, solar PV panels, energy recovery systems and employed to match the energy efficiency standards.

Double glazing windows (specifically uPVC high quality double glazed windows) are another key component for energy-efficient constructions. They help reduce the impact on the environment and also lessen the energy consumption for the betterment of the environment.

“Boosts The Curb Appeal Of Your House.”

Quality double glazing windows also enhance the curb appeal of your home. Plus, they are designed so to fit into all architectural profiles of a property without compromising its original feel and appearance.

These are some of the perks of using double glazing windows for your energy-efficient home project. Discuss with your home builder about adding this to your new construction. It will be an investment you’ll be proud of.

How to Retrofit Homes for Adding Energy Efficiency

If you have thought of redesigning your home and making it more energy-efficient, you have your task cut out. You need to take into consideration a wide range of factors and bring in some changes. You need to consult the experts who are into building energy-efficient homes and turning the old existing homes into passive houses.

Here is a brief account of the tasks that these companies carry out:

Installing heating solution...

In old, existing homes, hot and cold air escape through all the sides. The roof, the basement, and the unsealed corners of these homes are pathways of the unconditioned air to get in and out.

To get rid of this phenomenon, you need to turn to the passive house builders in Melbourne, who would go for high-quality insulations. The pros of these companies would opt for various green insulation ideas to have your home properly insulated. They would have all these gaps and leaks adequately sealed with the help of proper caulking, wrappers and weatherstrips.

Once done, they would update highly energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to complete the insulation. At times, they opt for geothermal systems to make the homes more energy-efficient. Geothermal systems do not use any energy at all!

They would install LED lights

Conventional light bulbs have a propensity of digging a hole in your pockets and draining out energy from your homes. In fact, research shows that the incandescent bulbs consume 80 per cent more power than the CFL lights. Electric lights usually eat up 25 per cent of the energy budget of a typical household

This is where the LED and the CFL light bulbs come into play. Both these varieties are extremely energy efficient, but the LED lights have more longevity than the CFL bulbs. Moreover, these lights are available in more types and provide a broader range of brightness.

Replacing appliances that are less energy efficient

The old, less energy-efficient electrical appliances go a long way in interfering with the power bills of a household. Hence, if you are to make your home more energy-efficient, you need to get rid of these old, less energy-efficient electrical appliances.

The passive home builders would tell you to replace them with newer, state of the art, more energy-efficient homes. These appliances will go a long way in making homes more energy-efficient.

Besides, adding a sunroom and a skylight here, and there will also help you to make your home more energy-efficient and passive.

Why is Living in Passive Houses the Need of the Hour?

Technically speaking, passive houses are buildings that need minimal energy for heating and cooling. 

Besides, they also provide optimal comfort level, thereby enhancing the quality of life by manifold. 

The concept originated in Germany and is designed to save energy costs and minimise the leakage of air, by putting the latest insulation technology in place.  

It is a global trend to reduce carbon emission

In the wake of global warming and the growing menace of carbon emission, it is high time that something concrete is done to arrest the issue. These passive houses go a long way in reducing carbon emissions. Hence, more and more people are vouching for these new energy-efficient buildings that bring carbon emission to nil, contributing to the fight against global warming.

Doing away with the power grids

Technically, every energy-efficient home will be able to save 90 per cent of energy, and this means, most of the energy that is needed to run the electrical appliances of these houses will be operated off the grid, or from the solar panels or the on-site wind turbines.

This means this marked reduction in the energy consumption, coupled with the application of renewable energy source will lead to not only a better and healthier living, but it will have a less negative effect on the environment by reducing the emission of carbon significantly. That takes us back to the first point again.

Improving the air quality

When it comes to discussing how these passive homes augment the quality of life, the issue of air quality cannot be avoided.  Quality builders of passive house in Melbourne make sure that the ventilation systems are optimal in terms of quality. This is to make sure that people are always able to breathe the purest possible air at any given point in time.  These builders come up with highly refined and scientifically designed ventilation system, which controls the humidity level in the interiors of the home, keeping it between 30 and 60 per cent.

This highly sophisticated air ventilation system also makes sure that the air that circulates inside is filtered and is fresh at any given point in time.

Financial Savings

This new concept of living would also result in a significant amount of savings every month.  

Statistically, it has been seen that the initial outlay expenditure for installing passive house features and property improvement will be balanced by the amount of energy that is saved per month. So living in passive houses will be feasible financially as well as environmentally – in short as well as long term.  

With all these advantages, there is little doubt that these passive homes are indeed the need of the hour, more so taking into account the economic condition that prevails around the globe.  

Why Do You Need Airtightness Tapes in High-performance Building?

One of the major challenges that the house owners and the building constructors have been facing all these years is to control the movement of the air through the ceilings and walls ascertaining that the comfort and energy efficiency remain unaltered. In addition to the above two prime factors, what needs to be ensured is the durability of the building without distorting the aesthetic beauty of the house.

The application of energy saving equipment has played a crucial role in the process. It is why there are companies that have been supplying materials for the construction of a passive house. The professionals associated with the construction of the energy efficient houses have found a perfect solution in the form of passive house supplies. The house building business is relying heavily on the proper application of these materials.

“Your House Needs to Breathe”

According to the experts, to ensure comfort and hygiene in the house, it is necessary to make sure that the property has the proper flow of fresh air. In addition to this, there should be proper arrangement for natural lighting. For this, sufficient numbers of doors and windows should be present. Not only this, the size of the windows does matter.

Where does the Challenge Lie?

In the world of experimentation, everything is calculated, keeping in mind the conditions to remain ideal. However, this is not the case. There can be leakages and gaps in the door panel and window pane through which the air inside the house escapes, adding to the cost. The use of SIGA airtightness membranes tapes plays a significant role in ascertaining that the air does not escape through the gaps making the construction an energy-efficient one.

The following are the areas of challenge that a house builder faces when it comes to making the house energy efficient one—

Sealing the Edges

A continuous surface is easy to conceal. The primary challenge lies in sealing the edges of the surfaces or where there is any transition between two materials. It is where the professionals place the membrane tapes keeping all the prospects of leakages in mind.

According to the passive house builders in Melbourne, taping helps in creating a better air-sealed 

surface. All the potential gaps between two surfaces are concealed with the proper application of the membrane tapes. Every minute detailing should be done carefully because overlooking any of these aspects leads to undoing a lot of hard work.

Conclusion

People residing in the colder areas might find it tempting to skip all these detailing where the electricity bills of heating are low. However, for the houses present in the areas like Melbourne, where it is mostly hot and humid throughout the year, escaping any of these factors will lead to a discomfort living and issues of energy loss.