Why are Homeowners Building High-Performance and Energy-Efficient Homes?

Survey Responses from Australian Homeowners.

The strongest theme amongst homeowners’ responses was the desire for thermal comfort and consistent temperature. This was usually due to their experience of discomfort in previous homes. It included a desire to control humidity in the home, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical regions. References were made to:

“living in leaky tents in Australia,”

“too cold in winter and too hot in summer,”

“bonkers how much energy gets wasted to needlessly to keep standard Australian houses warm.”

The perceived health benefits theme was strong. Avoiding mould growth, and a mouldy, damp house was a motivator. As was the ability to access fresh air with the windows closed, to filter incoming air during a bushfire, and manage occupants' hay fever.   

Responses that addressed the desire for low energy bills, or running costs, were equal to health benefits responses, and mostly included references to the environment or climate change. Other responses were the desire for low energy needs, due to being off grid, and a desire for affordable running costs into retirement.   

Some homeowners expressed the benefit in an air-tight house of cockroaches or other pests not being able to get in.

One responder, whose spirit I admire, said that part of their motivation was “the challenge.” What a great attitude to take into the usually daunting task of building or renovating!  

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/question-mark-on-chalk-board-356079/

Why are Homeowners Building High-Performance and Energy-Efficient Homes?