I am contemplating buying/building a house, for the first time, with no deadline. I haven't selected a site yet (I know that changes things) but I want to know what I can expect. How does the intial cost of a sustainable energy home typically compare with a less green option?How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?This of course depends on a lot of different factors. But... for the most part it really doesn't cost as much as many people think. Since you are building a home instead of trying to remodel a home it makes things much less expensive. Many people think that to be %26quot;sustainable%26quot; everything needs to be run entirely off of solar and will cost a fortune. This is very wrong.
First you need to figure out where most of the energy in your home is going to be used.
1. heating/cooling
2. Water heating
3. Major appliances
4. lighting %26amp; smaller appliances
So if you can reduce the energy needed by the largest energy users you can almost elminate your energy bill.
Solutions...
Like the first person answered, GEOTHERMAL heating/cooling system. This is something that anyone building a new home that has enough yard to bury some pipes should get. My sister just built a house with one of these systems and it only cost them $3000 more than a traditional system and they will have twice the heating/cooling power. And the system will have paid for itself after 3 years.
The department of energy's page about Geothermal heat pumps
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your
2nd... Heating your water. This is another huge energy use in the home. This can also be done using some Geothermal systems or you can go solar. Using solar Thermal collectors is a great way to heat your water. This method has been used for a long time and is also used in industrial situations for hotels and outdoor swimming pools. A new system for residential can cost around $5000.
http://www.solarroofs.com/purchase/index
Check out this company just for kicks, they build some of the biggest solar heating systems in the world for resorts and Olympic pools.
http://www.heliocol.com/commercial/comme
Spending more on better isulation, windows, and doors is another way to save on energy. People don't realize how much of a difference that can make. You save maybe $20-50 on a cheaper window but in the long run you would be saving a LOT more by getting the better one.
You can add energy generating devices to your home for a lot less than you might think. And by using the solutions above the remaining energy needs should be significantly reduced. A grid-tied windmill that can supply 1000+ KWH a month is only about $5000.
Places like this offer packages for all types.
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/complete-s
Most of the places I listed here offer assistance or install by professionals but you can also do a lot of it yourself without having to go to school to know how.How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Based on my look at solar for my house, you had better figure on $50,000 to $60,000 for the energy system. The system cost can be reduced a little if you increase insulation etc. but that cost money too.
A solar system's life is about 20 years then you are looking at replacement.
I was disappointed.How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Whatever you do, do not insulate with fiberglass - it will totally void what you are trying to accomplish. Be sure to check out the Soybean polyurethane foam insulation - it may cost more initially but it will cut your heating costs by more than 40%
Go Green!!How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Use Geothermal Heating. This is an ABSOLUTE MUST.
Check out - www.waterfurnace.com
The system uses water pumps to heat the house in the winter, AND cool the home in the summer. The amount of electricity used to drive the pumps is so little that if you add a couple of solar panels, or maybe a windmill (depending on your location) and you can have year-round climate control for free.How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Check out this link, hope it helps!
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_architectureHow much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Depending on where you are and what materials you use the price can vary greatly. And also I would like to thank you for living green and hopefully you can aid in proving that going green is cost effective... this country/world needs more people like you.How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?You have to integrate a number of important features into a home to make it green and sustainable.
1. Design and orientation to the sun
2. Use of thermal mass for heating
3. Radiant floor heating and cooling systems
4. Geothermal heating and cooling versus gas furnace and electric AC
5. Spray foam insulation and proper sealing techniques
6. Use of solar or wind for electricity generation
7. Water conservation: collection of rain water, use of dual flush toilets, use of low flow faucets and shower heads....
The list goes on.........check out the websites below for more ideasHow much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?Today, installing a solar system at an average-sized home still costs $20k to $50k initially, depending the size of your solar system. However, many factors are causing this cost going down, rapidly. For example, Federal and State governments give incentives to promote solar energy which lower your cost. Utilities may also give their own rebates. Check out the web page below for more details.
