Energy Efficiency Advice for Pole Buildings

If you are thinking about opting for a pole barn home, energy efficiency is something you will want to carefully consider. You are probably already aware that pole barns are generally much more cost efficient than a traditional home. However, you do need to consider the costs on the whole, and this includes assessing your monthly utility bills. While pole barns may seem cheap on the surface, things are not always what they seem. With that in mind, read on to discover all you need to know about the energy efficiency of pole buildings.

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It all comes down to insulation…

The energy efficiency of your home comes down to insulation. The vast majority of heat gain or loss is through the roof of a property. This is especially the case when it comes to pole barn homes, as they have high ceilings. While pole barn homes prices may be relatively low, your bills can end up being huge if you don’t insulate properly. One way to avoid high utility bills is to install reflective insulation under your roof. Not only can this provide significant savings over time, but also it will not change the construction process of your pole barn home.

What about the roof itself?

Insulating the pole barn is of paramount importance, but it is also vital to consider the roof you choose with care. In a warmer climate, a lighter colored roof will typically be preferred, as these roofs will lower heat absorption. This helps to stop buildings from becoming too balmy in the hotter months.

It is wise to look for a light-colored roofing material that is Energy Star certified. For those who are unaware, Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that assists individuals, companies, and organizations to protect the climate and save money through exceptional energy efficiency.

So, what does it take to get the Energy Star stamp of approval? Your roof will need to reflect a minimum of 15% of the sun’s energy after three years of real-world exposure testing. This is important because the higher the reflectance is, the less energy that is needed to cool the home below. By simply using lightly colored Energy Star roofing material, you can reduce your energy costs by a considerable degree.

Some final tips to keep in mind

Aside from the tips that have been mentioned above, we have a few other suggestions that can help you to reduce the amount of energy that your pole barn home uses. This includes the following:

• Professional checks – It is advisable to ensure that a heating and cooling professional checks your pole barn home once per annum to ensure that you are not wasting any excess energy.
• Light bulb choice – Your light bulb choice can make a considerable difference, and it is a change that is really easy to make. Opt for fluorescent light bulbs instead.
• Energy Star – We mentioned Energy Star above, but it is also a good idea to install windows that are rated with Energy Star, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances.
• Be open to other suggestions – Pole barns can be seen as a cheap solution, but when you have to spend an extensive amount of cash on making your home energy efficient, it could be that another structure is a better solution altogether.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea regarding how to keep your energy use to a low if you are having a pole barn home built.