Designing and building your home for energy efficiency and warmth in winter.

Here, in Victoria, we experience cold, wet winters! When designing a new custom home, or planning a renovation, we believe that by implementing key design elements, you will have an energy efficient home that will keep the home warm through winter, and the power bills down. Life is becoming increasingly more expensive, and with focus on environmental sustainability, we are keen to discuss four elements to consider when designing, building or upgrading your home, with the cool Victorian climate in mind.

Insulation 

Insulation is a material that resists or blocks the flow of heat energy. Insulation is used to stop heat inside the home from escaping in winter, and to stop heat outside the home from entering in summer. A well insulated house can use as much as 45% less energy for heating and cooling. There are a wide range of insulation products available. Good insulation that works effectively for your home requires the selection of the correct product for your climate. The right product will make a significant difference to the comfort and energy performance of the home. It is vital that it is specified and installed correctly to perform well and avoid condensation problems. Insulation should be incorporated when a home is built. Installing high-performance products at the time of construction is a good investment, resulting in lower energy bills over the lifespan of your home. For existing homes, adding insulation to your ceiling, walls and floor can be an effective part of renovation at any time. 

Thermally efficient windows/glazing: 

Glazing – the glass and frames in windows, external doors and skylights – has a significant effect on thermal performance. Glazing is a significant investment in the quality of your home. The cost of glazing and the cost of heating and cooling your home are closely related. An initial investment in energy-efficient windows, skylights and doors can greatly reduce your annual heating and cooling bill. Glazing decisions are usually made when you are buying or building a new home. But improving your glazing through renovation is one of the easiest ways to significantly improve the thermal performance of your home without rebuilding.

Window furnishings (for example, louvres, blinds, curtains) can be used to improve the thermal performance of your windows, and are especially useful to add to existing windows.

Installing energy-efficient auxiliary heating 

Heating and cooling together use the largest amount of energy in the average Australian home, accounting for around 40% of household energy use. So it is important to prioritise your investment when it comes to keeping your house comfortably warm. The best heating system is one that suits your climate, the size of your home, and your lifestyle. Having the right sized system for your home will save you energy and money. Buying a system that is too large or small will mean you will use energy unnecessarily and pay more in the long run.

Positioning of house 

If you are building a new home, or thinking of renovating, consider the orientation of the house. Good orientation can significantly improve your comfort and reduce your heating needs. The best orientation for your home is the one that suits your climate zone. Doing your research on your local climate zone, and ideally locating living areas on the north side of the home, with bedrooms and service areas (bathrooms, laundry and garages) on the south, to optimise the winter sun in the cooler months. 

CDK BUILDING GROUP

CDK Building Group stands as the premier choice for custom home building across Metropolitan Melbourne, East Gippsland, Metung, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Eagle Point, Wy Yung, Bairnsdale, and beyond.

Our metro and regional teams of skilled builders are committed to delivering exceptional results and customised service to every project.

CDK Building Group specialises in:

• Custom Home Builds

• New Home Builds

• Renovation and Extension

• Architecturally Designed Homes

With transparent pricing, clear communication, and a focus on customer satisfaction, we ensure a smooth and stress-free building experience from start to finish.

Our builders bring years of experience and a passion for excellence to every project, ensuring that your vision is realised to the highest standards.

Whether you're in need of custom home builders, new home builders, or architectural home builders, CDK Building Group is ready to help.

Contact us today to discuss your project and discover why we are the best choice for quality construction in Melbourne and the East Gippsland region.

Reference: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/