John’s Energy Efficient House 2023

House Notes – John’s Energy Efficient House

My aim was to build an energy efficient, comfortable home within a modest budget. To this end a standard design of a high volume builder was selected and modified during the design and construction, as well as after completion.

These included:

  • In the design stage – double glazing, extra insulation, north facing aspect, no gas and cool roof were specified.
  • During construction – taping wall wrap & roof sarking, sealing slab to wall, sealing pipe openings & fitting internal wall insulation were undertaken.
  • After completion – extra ceiling insulation, garage door insulation, draft proofing, roller shutters, blinds & 41 photovoltaic panels were fitted.

Future energy improvements include removal of roof whirlybird, draught proofing internal sliding door and fitting awning over external south door.

A large PV system was fitted as I am often home during the day, the home is all electric, has a battery and I drive an electric car. After a sunny August day no evening heating is required. The living area of the house is 20 degrees through the evening and, even though the outside overnight temperature gets down to 4 degrees, the living area is 18 degrees in the morning.

Self guided tour notes are provided.

Donations on the day will go to Friends of the Cerberus Inc.

This house achieved a NatHERS rating of 7.1 stars using NatHERS accredited software (FirstRate5). Find out how the star ratings work on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) website.

Sustainability Features

Years Open
2019
2021
2023
ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT FEATURES
    • Energy efficiency:
    • Draught proofing
      Efficient lighting
      Efficient appliances
      Energy monitoring
    • Passive heating cooling:
    • Cross ventilation
      Passive solar designed home
      Shading
    • Active heating cooling:
    • Ceiling fans

    • Active heating cooling:
    • Multi split heat pump with 5 reverse cycle units throughout house
    • Water heating:
    • Hot water heat pump
    • Water harvesting and saving features:
    • Low flow shower heads

    • Average water consumption per day:
    • 67L drinking water & 178L recycled water
    • Water harvesting and saving
    • Recycled water provided for garden, toilets & washing machine by City West Water. Redwater valve on kitchen sink and dishwasher.
    • Energy Efficient Lighting
    • LED lights throughout
      Natural daylight
    • Electric Vehicle Type
    • Tesla Model 3 Long Range with FSD
    • Window Protection:
    • Blinds
      Drapes/curtains

    • Window Protection:
    • 725 mm eave on north side and white roller shutters on main east and west windows.
INSULATION SPECIFICATIONS
    • Insulation Type:
    • Under-roof
      Ceiling
      Internal walls
      External walls
    • Ceiling Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Ceiling Rating:
    • Living/Dining/Kitchen & Study = R8.0+, Rest of House = R6.0+, Garage = R4.1
    • Under Roof Insulation Type:
    • Reflective foil
    • Under Roof Insulation Rating:
    • R1.2
    • Internal Walls Insulation Type:
    • Bulk – glass wool
    • Internal Walls Insulation Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Rating:
    • R2.5
    • External Walls Type:
    • Bulk - Glass wool and Reflective Insulation taped to building frame.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SPECIFICATIONS
    • All-Electric Home?
    • Yes
    • Renewable energy used:
    • Energy storage/battery
      Solar PV grid connect
    • Size of PV system:
    • 15.1kW
    • Average Daily Energy Consumption:
    • 7kWhr
COSTS AND COST SAVINGS
    • Total cost of home when constructed:
    • $242,000 in 2017
    • Cost estimate of sustainable home/features:
    • $30,000 plus appliances
    • Estimate of annual savings:
    • No gas bill. $300 ahead per year on electricity before upgrading PV system.
HOUSE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
    • House Size
    • 232m2
    • BAL Rating
    • BAL – 12.5: Ember attack with heat up to 12.5kW/m2
    • Roof
    • Cool roof of light colour reflective concrete tiles.
    • Wall Materials
    • Brick veneer
    • Window and Door Types
    • Double glazed casement windows & sliding doors.
    • Number of bedrooms
    • 3
    • Number of bathrooms
    • 2
GARDEN AND WASTE REDUCTION
    • Garden / Outdoors
    • Composting
      Edible garden
      Native plants

    • Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Compost all food scraps
      Recycle
      Repair

    • Other Waste Reduction Practices:
    • Aluminium cans discarded throughout new housing estate migrate in their hundreds to my Council provided recycling bin.
Location
Tarneit VIC 3029
    • Housing Type:
    • Standalone House
    • Project Type:
    • New Build
    • Builder
    • Orbit Homes

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