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The next big problem that's going to hit people is the cost of energy. It is already skyrocketing and burdening our wallets. However, the idea of energy efficient home comes as a rescuer in this regard. It not only has a good effect on the environment but also helps you mend the big hole in the pocket. You can actually save big bucks that you spend on heating and cooling costs by following a few simple building and landscaping guidelines for an energy efficient home.

Think of tight construction. It helps improve energy efficiency by tightening up the air penetrations through the home's exterior. Since most of the gaps are caused during framing, tighter construction with air sealing can create an envelope that improves air quality and keeps outside air from affecting the inside of the house. Thus it prevents cooling in winter and heating in summer.

Improved Insulation can go a long way in enhancing energy efficiency. It would inhibit the heat transfer through the home, i.e. the air, remains warm during the winter and cool during the summers. The crimps, gaps and compression are done away with carefully installed insulation. The desired interior temperature can be maintained without spending a fortune on heater or air conditioner. You save a lot on energy costs.

Also, consider high performance windows that are no longer very expensive. Anyway, you will recover the extra cost through these energy efficient windows because they come in improved materials like double glazing and special coatings that act as insulators for the glass. They do not hamper your view through the window, but they stop heat transfer effectively.

Using high performance windows is not enough. It is important to ensure that the window framing is done properly and that it is tight. Low conduction materials such as vinyl, fiberglass or wood must be used for this purpose. Metal is a very bad choice for a window frame because it is a very good heat conductor. Thus, always have a highly probable heat transfer outlet.

Choose energy efficient equipment to heat and cool your home. You can buy this from many heating and cooling stores. You can lower your bills by using such equipment and save a lot of money and be more comfortable, too.

Landscaping is a very important part of building a perfect house. Landscaping features like trees can go a long way on making your house energy efficient. Trees provide shade and cool sorroundings in summers and block chilly winds in winters. Though fully planted trees act as natural air conditioners they can actually help you save a lot on energy costs.

With today's technology and capabilities, it is very possible to have a home that is much more energy efficient. Building energy efficient homes helps them become more environmentally friendly, and it also encourages greater comfort at home. Additionally, it can save a great deal of money in energy costs. Air quality in the home is improved by some of these measures, and unwanted drafts can be reduced by measures in building and landscaping that keep the home energy efficient.