Living in an energy-efficient home will help keep your electric usage down and reduce how much money you spend on electricity. Both pier and beam homes and homes built on a slab can be energy efficient, but it depends on various factors and design considerations. Here’s an overview of the energy efficiency aspects of both pier and beam homes and homes built on slabs:
Pier and Beam
Insulation:
Pier and beam homes typically have a crawl space beneath the floor, which allows for insulation to be installed. Proper insulation can help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, improving energy efficiency.
Air Circulation:
The crawl space in pier and beam homes allows for better air circulation and ventilation, which can improve indoor air quality and moisture control.
Access to Plumbing and Wiring:
The open design of pier-and-beam construction makes it easier to access plumbing and wiring, facilitating repairs or modifications without significant disruptions. If you suspect that you could have faulty wiring resulting in a higher energy bill, the easy access gained by having a home on a pier-and-beam will be appreciated.
Slab Homes
Thermal Mass:
Homes built on a slab can utilize the thermal mass of the concrete slab to help regulate indoor temperatures. The slab’s high thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, resulting in a more stable temperature in the home and a reduction of energy consumption.
- Thermal Mass is a material’s ability to absorb, store, and release heat. High thermal mass materials can absorb, store, and release a lot of heat, low thermal mass materials do the opposite.
Air Leakage:
Slab homes tend to have fewer air leakage points than pier and beam homes. Fewer air leakage points result in less draft and heat loss, potentially making a slab home more energy efficient.
Simplified Construction:
Building on a slab can be a more straightforward and cost-effective construction method. This method allows for a better use of resources and, ultimately, a reduction of the environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency Homes can Be Any Home
At the end of the day, a home’s energy efficiency depends on various factors beyond the construction type. Insulation quality, window efficiency, the efficiency of the home’s HVAC system, and overall design all contribute to a home’s energy efficiency.
Regardless of how your home is built, you can improve its energy efficiency and reduce its energy usage by making a few changes. Be aware of energy vampires, who use electricity even when they shouldn’t. Use more energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off electronics and lights when they are not in use. Conduct a home energy audit to determine where you can reduce energy waste and save money on electricity.