With energy prices a constant concern, running costs are now one of the first things people ask about when building a new home. The good news is that a well-designed, well-built new house can cost a fraction of an older home to heat. The decisions that make that happen are made at design and construction stage – and are much harder to change later.
Fabric first
The most effective approach is to reduce the amount of heat the building needs before thinking about how to supply it.
Insulation
Walls, roof and floor all need high levels of continuous insulation. Current Building Regulations in Northern Ireland set minimum standards, and many new homes are built well beyond them.
Thermal bridging
Heat escapes at junctions – around windows, at floor edges and where walls meet roofs. Careful detailing and good workmanship on site keep these cold bridges to a minimum.
Airtightness
Uncontrolled draughts can account for a large share of heat loss. New homes are air-tested on completion, and a builder who takes care over membranes, seals and service penetrations will achieve much better results.
Windows and doors
High-performance glazing, correctly installed and sealed, reduces heat loss while letting in free solar gain.
Ventilation
An airtight home needs controlled ventilation to keep indoor air healthy and prevent condensation. Options range from well-designed extract systems to mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), which recovers most of the heat from outgoing air.
Heating and renewables
In a well-insulated home, low-temperature heating becomes very efficient. Air source heat pumps with underfloor heating are now a common choice. Solar PV panels can offset electricity use, and batteries can store daytime generation for the evening.
Orientation and design
Positioning the house and its main windows to make the most of sunlight, while limiting overheating, costs nothing extra but pays back for the life of the building.
Build quality matters
An energy-efficient design only performs if it is built properly. At SC Developments, attention to detail on site is what turns a good specification into a home that is comfortable and economical to live in. Explore our new builds or contact us to discuss your plans.
