Do you need a large house?

According to the EIA, the average size of American homes has increased from about 1,800 square feet (40 or 50 years ago) to 2,200 square feet in the 1990s and 2,500 square feet in the 2000s - a trend that is being replicated in a number of countries. Preferences for larger houses are becoming global.

But that’s bad news for energy improvements. .

There is no surer way to squander energy than by constructing a very large house - a worrying finding in view of our finite natural resources and increasing environmental problems.

Home size Is critical for energy Efficiency

Modest-sized homes, with very high levels of insulation and air-tightness, do not require large heating and cooling systems to be comfortable.

Modest-sized homes can greatly reduce energy needs, allowing us to replace traditional central systems with cheaper alternatives.

No matter how well a huge house is built, it will not be really environmentally-friendly and will consume large amounts of energy.

People tend to prefer luxury options, complex construction details and large houses; it's the concept of "dream house" working out - an unfortunate trend of insensate dreams.

Modest sizes

But what's exactly a modest-sized home?

In a cold climate that means homes with 2000 sq foot (185 m2) or less; in other words: the typical average size of American homes 40 years ago.

Note that size is not so critical in moderate climates, or in hot climates.

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