When people think about eco-friendly design and construction, an energy efficient master bedroom remodel may not be the first area that comes to mind. But most people spend at least 1/3rd of their time in the bedroom and It makes sense to find ways to add efficiencies. Because one of the great things about going green with construction is it not only helps save the planet, but it saves you money.
Add Windows
The U. S. Dept. of Energy states that ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings. When this is your goal, it’s important to consider the location and number of windows in the room. As you probably know, the wind naturally ventilates your home by entering or leaving windows, depending on their orientation to the wind.
Start master bedroom remodel by designing it with windows facing the direction for prevailing winds in your area. Then, if possible, add windows on another wall to create a cross-breeze. Ventilation works best when combined with additional methods to reduce heat buildup in your home, like ceiling fans (see below).
Energy Efficient Windows
Data from energystar.gov shows energy bills sea an average reduction of 12 percent by installing Energy Star certified windows vs. non-certified products (energystar.gov). And by using less energy they reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and homes. A great thing to know if you’re planning an eco-friendly master bedroom remodel.
An added benefit from Energy Star certified windows comes from their coatings. While keeping out the summer heat they also act like a sunscreen for your house. This protects your furniture and carpet from harmful, fading ultraviolet light. And they noticeably reducing visible light. These special coatings reduce fading by up to 75 percent.
Ceiling Fans
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory – or NREL – uses computer models to determine the energy-saving potential of ceiling fans. They find that by using ceiling fans in a room the air conditioning setting can be raised by 4°F. This reduces energy costs by as much as 11% (gsa.gov).
The NREL has reasons to believe that smart ceiling fans are even more efficient than basic fans. A smart ceiling fan automatically turns on and off at predetermined temperatures or when a space is unoccupied. They are also designed to adjust speed in response to temperature changes, ensuring an optimal cooling-to-fan-use ratio.
SMC has extensive experience advising people on energy efficiencies for their homes. Click here to see examples of our work. Contact us today at (763) 300-5519 to discuss your plans.
