ORIENTATION :

For Hot Climates – minimize solar gain by minimizing late morning & afternoon gains. You can orient houses in such a manner that the longer sides face North and South Directions . Take full

Advantage of prevailing Breeze during spring & summer seasons.

Note: - No cost increase is associated with these strategies; rather the client will see savings in their Electrical bills!

REDUCE ENERGY GAIN OR LOSS

Ample Roof Overhangs are key to reduce heat gain in hot climate, reduce maintenance issues, increase life span of Building Materials, save energy & provide comfort. Shading with double pane window especially on Southern wall will be of great help.

Note: -Overhangs & double pane windows reduce Electricity bills and save money, though they add to the initial cost of construction.

DARK ROOFS

These are good for cold climate. In case of hot climates you can provide a radiant barrier in the form of an air insulated roof or a false ceiling of thermo Cole which is economic and easily workable as well.

LIGHTING

Take advantage of Sunlight as much as possible. Substantial saving can be achieved by indirect daylight from windows. Redundant lofts in rooms seem to be good luggage compartments initially, but actually become junkyards and habitat for insects afterwards.

RESPONSIBLE LANDSCAPING

Water is a serious problem in most of our states. Learn and utilize principles of XERISCAPING – Drought Tolerant Plantings. Prefer planting native species. If lawn is a consistent choice, then provide thicker layer of topsoil (1.5 to 2 times the desired layer).

SOME COMMON APPROACHES

Avoid using high sheen or glossy wall paint on exterior walls. Installing external ventilating exhaust fans can control moisture generation in windowless bathrooms. Install automatic timer switches on all exhaust fans to save energy. Avoid chemical treatments for insects and termites etc.; it is responsible for polluting ground water. Use low VOC (Volatile Organic Paints) latex paints on interior walls.