When building multifamily housing properties, energy efficiency is always a concern. Residents who pay their own power bills will be drawn to apartments and townhomes that can advertise lower energy consumption. Efficient cooling and thermally stable homes are particularly appealing in Houston and other Southern regions where summer heat is a major concern. The question is how to incorporate energy efficiency into multifamily construction and retrofit upgrades while maintaining an equally efficient budget.
As architectural experts based in Houston, Texas, we at Ted Trout Architects are proud to provide a few insights on affordable energy-efficiency upgrades for multifamily housing properties.
Architectural Details in Multifamily Housing
Let’s start with the architecture for new builds and rebuilds, including insulation and window placement.
Structural Insulation
Insulate every wall, and pay special attention to outer walls where summer heat is likely to seep in. Integral insulation increases the inherent quality of a multifamily home and reduces energy lost to cooling.
North to South Window Placement
Place windows primarily facing North and South, with smaller windows on East and West facing walls to reduce direct sunlight exposure. East and West facing windows can lose twice as much energy.
Awnings
Awnings and other shade placed over doors and windows can also naturally reduce heat exposure.
Doors and Windows
The quality and design of your doors and windows also plays an important role in energy efficiency. The right choices can result in affordable yet much more efficient multifamily housing. In addition to being more energy efficient, well insulated doors and windows make for better sound proofing for quieter homes.
Well-Sealed Windows with Insulated Glass
Every window should be well-secured into an insulated frame. Vinyl frames are ideal for durability and R-value (a formula to gauge how well a type of insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home). Make sure older windows are recalked during turnover. When installing new windows, prioritize insulated glass or impact glass, which both have a higher R-value. This goes for glass patio doors, as well.
Foam Core Entry Doors
Foam-core entry doors are typically more affordable than solid-core doors and modern foam layers offer excellent insulation quality,
Comprehensive Weather Stripping
Make sure every door and window that opens has fresh, high-quality weather stripping. Schedule re-stripping apertures every 2-5 years and during tenant turnover.
Built-In Window Blinds
Consider providing built-in window blinds. Durable pull-down blinds are replacing miniblinds as a trend, but also leave curtain rods pre-installed so residents can decorate around the energy-efficient blinds you have pre-installed.
Efficient Home Appliances
Now that we’ve addressed doors and windows, let’s take a look at your energy-efficient appliance options. Appealing multifamily homes are always fully stocked and you can drastically improve the property’s overall energy-efficiency by supplying units with efficient machines.
Energy Star Kitchen and Laundry Machines
Look for the energy star rating when selecting appliances for the kitchen and laundry. This rating is applied to any sufficiently efficient machine in all price ranges, so you can choose your balance of affordability and luxury without compromising on energy consumption.
Water Conservation
While you’re at it, prioritize appliances and fixtures designed to conserve water. Valued residents who care about sustainability will also be drawn to efficient showers, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines that use less water for the same quality experience.
HVAC and Ductwork
The efficiency of your HVAC makes a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency. In a Houston summer, AC can represent 50% or more of the power bill. Efficient HVAC and ductwork design can be achieved within an affordable budget with good design.
Your HVAC units should be selected carefully to perfectly match the size and ventilation needs of each unit. Choose energy-efficient models that are well-designed for the space.
Ductwork is no joke for Houston multifamily properties where central air is a must. Make sure your ductwork is well-sealed. Then, schedule cleanings and repairs every few years to prevent leaking ducts, which can have a huge impact on AC energy efficiency.
Air Balancing in Each Unit
To make sure each home is air-balanced, utilize the process of using dampers inside the ducts to ensure the same air pressure in every room of the house (instead of high pressure close to the AC and low pressure further out). Air balancing results in even cooling/heating and more efficient temperature stability throughout each home.
Finishing Touches
As you wrap up your energy-efficient multifamily housing design, don’t forget the finishing touches. These are upgrades that do not require any construction but improve the overall energy efficiency of each multifamily unit.
LED Lightbulbs
Install LED lightbulbs in each of the light fixtures. LED bulbs use 90% less electricity for the same amount of light, they last years longer, and are cooler (therefore safer) than traditional incandescent lightbulbs.
Tip: If you’re planning ahead, make sure all ceiling light fixtures are open to the air (not enclosed) to accommodate LED smart bulbs which have become increasingly popular.
Smart or Programmable Thermostats
Upgrade your thermostats to smart or programmable models. Smart thermostats are a luxury that will attract high-tech tenants. But even simple programmable thermostats can be used to minimize AC use when everyone’s away and cool the house optimally for different seasons and times of day.
Optimize the Energy Efficiency of Your Multifamily Housing
Whether you are planning major upgrades or new constructions, Ted Trout Architects can help you design energy efficiency into every aspect of your multifamily property. Contact us today to explore affordable upgrades to your next design, from the integral structure to your finishing touches.
