Energy efficient design begins with a thorough site analysis to determine the optimal lay out of the home.  In the Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties, our prevailing winds come from the southwest predominantly.  In the fall, we get some strong north winds.  Wisdom tells us to take advantage of the natural cooling breezes, and that sounds easy enough.  However, at the same time, the same house needs protection from the strong winter winds that can drive rain into the home and protect as much as possible from the prevalent north winds that occur in October and November.

We live in a great climate to take advantage of the sun as well.  The sun can be our best friend, or our worst enemy.  The good news is that we can use strategies that defeat the heat from the sun in the summer, and harvest that heat to warm us in the winter.  Through the smart use of overhangs, shading devices, landscape and window placement, proper design prevents solar heat gain in summer, and uses solar heat gain in the cold months.  Select orientation of the home on the site optimizes these strategies.

The building envelope is another major consideration in an energy efficient home.  The building envelope consists of exterior walls, windows, doors, and roof.  If the building envelope is not optimal, then no matter how great the HVAC system is, energy will literally go out the window, doors and through the walls and roof, along with money spent on utilities!  California is ahead of many states in the country with its Title 24 energy standards.  Title 24 sets energy efficiency standards of homes built in our state.  Every home built in California must meet or exceed Title 24 dictates.

To find out more about building an energy efficient home or if you are interested in a LEED certified home, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.