There are elaborate steps being taken to make households and communities sustainable these days - particularly in the UK, but (as evident from RTBH post 208) in many other countries too. Today's linked article from the UK's Guardian newspaper suggests there is one simple thing you can do to make your home energy efficient, however - make it airtight. The article suggests that by sealing out draughts and using well-designed windows to capture the sun's energy when required (or to block it out when necessary) household energy use is significantly reduced. In its purest form, this is called 'passive housing' - and a great 'new build' example from Ireland is explored in the article. For the rest of us, draught proofing windows, insulating lofts and installing cavity wall insulation will all cut energy consumption in meaningful ways. Good news for the environment - and your wallet too.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
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I don't know if the geology of the U.S. is just different, but there has always been advice against truly "sealed" houses, and among the reasons is that radon gas, naturally rising from the ground, can be a potentially significant health risk. Now, the material on the internet today is not of one mind on the question of: can a leaky house protect you? But some say a perfectly sealed house isn't a good thing. I've heard of similar arguments regarding buildup of carbon monoxide in the house. Obviously there are costs and benefits to be weighed in any event, and this isn't an argument for vast wastefulness in home energy....
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