A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can put a fairly large cost on a business’s operating expenses. The HVAC system accounts for 40% of a building’s electricity, so making the switch to more energy-efficient materials will undoubtedly be a great investment in the long run as following operating costs decrease. There is a large shift to energy-efficient building materials that can be utilized in both new developments and existing structures. Each building will be different, as climate, traffic, and aesthetic needs can come into play, but proper use of efficient materials will reduce GHG emissions and lower energy bills. Below, we’ll discuss the most energy-efficient building materials and how they can help you get the most out of your HVAC system. As well, you will always want to make sure that the HVAC system is energy star rated.
Insulation
When it comes to trapping air conditioned air in the home to prevent the system from overworking, spray foam and polyiso insulation is the way to go. Spray foam insulation doesn’t produce toxic emissions, and insulation is an easy way to retrofit an existing home or business. Without proper insulation, heated and cooled air is being lost, especially at the doors and windows, leading to a higher energy bill than what’s truly necessary to keep the space comfortable.
Bamboo Plywood
Bamboo plywood is a great choice as it is non-toxic and all natural and is a sustainable material to be used in flooring and cabinets. It’s very easy to work with and is a more sustainable choice than typical flooring materials. Bamboo is also very durable and won’t require as much upkeep and maintenance as traditional flooring options. It is also not as sensitive to temperature change like stone or tile is which can help you save money on your heating and cooling costs.
Dampers
Dampers are bladed devices that regulate airflow across borders. This can be within the walls of new construction or between rooms in a home. In considering types of dampers, multi blade control dampers are great for outlets and precipitators, butterfly dampers are great for environmental controls and wastewater treatment facilities, and pressure relief dampers are often used in areas that need significant ventilation.
ICF’s Rather than Wood Frame Construction
Wood Frame Construction is experiencing a fall in popularity due to ICFs, or insulated concrete forms. ICF’s are energy-efficient and more easily installed and can save you on your future bills. Wood frame homes often have insulation gaps whereas ICFs lose less air and are resilient to natural disasters and high winds.
The average household spends over $2,000 each year on energy, and almost half of this is going towards heating and cooling. Optimizing your HVAC system for optimal energy efficiency not only reduces your footprint but can also help you save enormously on energy bills. Whether you retrofit an existing system by replacing the compressor and adding condenser fan controls or opt for a new system altogether, doing so will be a great investment into your property.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
