10 best practices to build efficiently
1. Whenever possible, site the home to take advantage of southern exposure on the rear, with fewer penetrations on the north side.
2. Use roof overhangs and deep porches to help reduce solar gain.
3. Design according to a 2-foot module to accommodate common sheet-good sizes.
4. Apply advanced framing techniques to reduce the amount of wood in the house. Don’t use 10 studs when two will do.
5. Right-size HVAC equipment. Many systems are much larger than they need to be.
6. Take advantage of prevailing breezes and cross-ventilation to reduce the load on mechanical cooling systems.
7. Choose the most energy-efficient windows your budget allows. Make sure they’re flashed and sealed properly.
8. Seal all ductwork and openings in the building envelope (Foam Band Boards and Ductwork seams).
9. Maximize the insulating capacity of the thermal envelope. In other words, get the best R-value you can for the money.
10. Avoid ductwork in unconditioned spaces, such as attics.
