Energy Efficincey- where do log homes stand?
Log homes energy efficiency
Though log homes are beautiful, are they a wise choice in the energy realm? The less energy we consume the easier the impact on everything from the planet to the pocketbook. So how do log homes "stack up"?
Many studies have actually been performed comparing the energy efficiency of log homes to standard construction homes. We all have seen a standard framed wall with pink insulation in it, but what about a log wall? What sort of insulation does it give?
A log has its own insulation built into it by nature. It is called thermal mass.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is the ability of the log home to absorb, store, and slowly release heat or cold over time. Because of the logs' cellular structure, it is designed to absorb and release heat as surrounding temperatures change. This results in a warm home in the winter and a cool home in the summer.
One comparison study was conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It was found that the actual energy used for both types of homes were virtually the same.
According to the Log Home Council, a typical log home can even be up to 15% more energy efficient than an identical conventional framed home
And One More Study
And finally, another study conducted in Michigan compared two homes of similar size. One home was log and one was standard construction. When the outside temperature reached a minimum of 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the log home required 6 kilowatt hours of electricity to maintain a constant 72 degrees over a 24 hour period. By comparison, the conventional home required 8.1 kilowatt hours to maintain the same temperature for the same time period. Thus a savings of 2.1 kilowatts of energy over the 24 hour test period yielded a 25% energy savings.
So how do log homes "stack up"? Really, Really, REALLY well! Log homes are a low impact type home constuction that has root in the past, Rocky Mountain Western feel, and look sot the future by saving vital resources.
And think, log homes were saving energy before energy efficiency came to the fore front.
For some ideas on log home suppliers take a look at my hub Log Home Company Comparision.
Thanks for reading and for more information on log home builders visit us at Cowboy Log Homes .com. Having a custom home is the dream of many.
Thanks for reading. Sue
Handcrafted Log Home
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