Click this link to learn about building an energy efficient home
| Site: | Extension Foundation Online Campus |
| Course: | Home Energy Use 101 |
| Book: | Click this link to learn about building an energy efficient home |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Thursday, January 15, 2026, 4:17 AM |
Description
Each page in this electronic book will link to a video that will introduce you to some different aspects of energy use in the home. It is important to remember that while safety and comfort always come first, it is possible to have a safe and comfortable home while using energy wisely.
Building an Energy Efficient House
Though you may not be able to see the differences once the walls are painted, there are some things that can be done to make a home energy efficient saving the home owner money over the life of the home.Click on the following link to watch a short video that introduces some of the basics of building an energy efficient home.
Testing a House for Air Leaks
Any air that leaks out of the home will allow heat to also leak into or out of a home. This video will show how a professional auditor can check a house to determine how tight a home is and where the air leaks occur.Home Energy Rating
A home energy rating system with provide an idea of the energy use that can be expected in a home, it is similar to the miles per gallon of your car. Watch the home energy rating video for more information.Energy Efficient Foundations - ICFs
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are an energy efficient foundation system in new construction. The ICFs are used as the forms for pouring foundation walls and provide insulation for the building. Watch the clip below for more information on ICFs.Spray Foam in Rim Joist
The rim joist is the area where the foundation meets the framing of the home and is an often overlooked area when it comes to insulation. This video will show a technique to seal and insulate the rim joist.Heating and Ventilation Equipment
This video will introduce some of the basic things to consider with home,water heating, and air exchange equipment.New Building Techniques: SIP houses
Structural Insulated Panels are building panels that are used in residential and commercial buildings. The panels generally consist of insulation sandwiched between sheets of OSB (oriented strand board). By using SIPs builders are able to reduce the conductive heat loss that is found in traditional framing techniques.Watch the video below to learn more about SIP construction.