THE benefits of energy-efficient home construction will be highlighted today as Sustainable House Day is celebrated across the nation.
Mount Gambier resident Evan Steele will open his home to the Limestone Coast public to showcase his own sustainable living space, constructed after years exploring similar properties.
With an annual energy bill of around $600, Mr Steele hopes to broaden the knowledge of residents looking to improve their own energy footprint.
The environmentally conscious resident has also teamed up with Mount Gambier City Council to record temperatures both inside and outside the home to gauge its effectiveness.
“Our previous house had little insulation in the ceiling and walls,” Mr Steele said.
“It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter and with the ongoing costs of living always going up, it was never going to be a comfortable home to me.”
Moving from a 20-year old house, Mr Steel’s new property features a number of energy-efficient improvements, including double-glazed PVC windows to help draw in the winter sun.
“Because of all the little adaptions around the house that I have made, the energy rating has gone up to a 7.6,” Mr Steele said.
“The minimum standard is six so it is quite a jump to go up past seven.
“It is not just about energy, it is also about comfort and I certainly know that I feel the difference in the times between the two houses.”
Reviewing data collected at the home, Mr Steele found large fluctuations when comparing internal and external temperatures.
“In winter with the sun coming in the front windows, I actually get a natural heating even though the outside never reaches as warm as inside,” he said.
“It becomes a very livable temperature naturally with no energy consumed, but of course that is when there are sunny days.
“When there has been a few cloudy days in a row we will put an energy source on just to maintain the temperature.”
Mr Steele said the home’s design process ensured there was accurate insulation to help keep the warmth or coolness of the house from escaping.
“The whole house is sealed as well which helps keep the temperature stable,” he said.
“The house overall has made a massive difference to our energy consumption and with the large amount of features, I think it really does make the house work as well as it does.”
Originally influenced by others to pursue a sustainable home construction, Mr Steele has registered his home on the Sustainable House Day website to allow people to visit the property and learn more about its features.
“I went to several houses before this home and it was very influential to learn what works and what does not,” Mr Steele said.
“There is no sales pitch from anyone, we are purely just showing that living in a sustainable home works.”
People intending to visit a home during Sustainable House Day must register through the website.
