Energy consumption of your home
Energy consumption is obtained by multiplying energy demand by the efficiency of the facilities. What needs do we have to consume and how much and how are they able to take advantage of the facilities in our home. Energy consumption in Spanish homes is roughly distributed as follows. Air conditioning systems would increase by around 1% annually. To light our homes we use 5%. The kitchen takes 8%. And domestic hot water is around 18%. Our appliances take 25%, and heating 43%.
If we look only at domestic hot water and heating, they account for 60% of the total energy consumption in the home. With appliances we take a quarter of the total. This gives us clues about what facilities and systems we should look for to reduce home energy consumption. To have a global vision of energy expenditure, consider that homes consume 30% of the total energy our country needs.
The energy demand
Energy demand is the amount of energy necessary to maintain the interior of buildings in certain conditions. These conditions are those of hygrothermal comfort, lighting and habitability of the space. Well, this amount of necessary energy is what we need to have domestic hot water, maintain heating, or cooling in summer, and sufficient lighting and ventilation. There are a series of factors that significantly influence energy demand.
The Climatic Zone and Location
It is obvious that the climatic conditions in the south of the peninsula are not the same as those in the north. Thus, the energy demand varies whether it is for heating or cooling in both areas. The same amount is not needed for each action in the South or in the North. When calculating the necessary facilities, the average demand for each area is used. At the same time, the location of the building also influences. Sharing party walls (terraced houses) or being an isolated home modify the calculations of the necessary facilities, and therefore the precise energy demand.
The use of the building
This is purely logical, the use given to each building predisposes different demands. Residential use is not the same as tertiary use. The energy demand in hospitals or shopping centers cannot be the same as that of a residential building. Capacity, hours of use, also influence energy demand.
The building envelope and its design
We have already talked to you about this factor as a differentiator in energy efficiency. The building envelope is made up of facades, roof and floors. Also due to the façade gaps and the different existing thermal bridges. Not in vain does the envelope largely isolate users from the outside environment. The composition of the envelope, as well as its design, must seek to maintain stable internal conditions and consequently reduce the need for energy demand. The design of the building and of course the materials used are key to achieving this.
Take advantage of the orientation in the design of the building to use climatic conditions to our advantage. The winds, the average temperatures, where we will have the sun and at what time. All this influences the design of the house and reduces the necessary energy demand. Of all the factors that influence energy demand, it is evident that the envelope and the design are what allow us to act to reduce it. There are others, like the place where our house is located, that are taxes. To go after energy efficiency after doing everything possible on demand, we have to give everything with the facilities...
