Why New Homes Crush Old Homes in Energy Efficiency 

glad you're calling attn to building for energy efficiency, Michael, as energy costs are only going up & shifting weather patterns push temps to extremes. some good suggestions (esp under the slab, ducts within conditioned space, & the foam/caulk effort), but traditional framing will always have thermal bridging on 20-25% of the envelope. other methods/materials to consider: --- ICF envelope walls & even the roof for full thermal break & thermal mass (pest/rodent/hurricane/tornado/fire proof, will never rot, quake resistant, super quiet, lowest ACH values even with sloppy labor) --- ERV or HRV for hepa-filtered air (a *must* with tight buildings), which you can further preheat/precool with some ingenuity & creativity --- south-facing windows & polished concrete or tile for winter thermal gain/storage with deciduous trees & adjustable overhangs --- minimum E/W exposure with deep shade extensions from roofline with evergreen trees --- ridge-vented roof deck over radiant barrier with strapping for air gap --- closed-cell layer before batt, & misted caulking --- Trombe walls --- slinky loop geothermal or mini-splits (run condensate lines to trees!) --- picture windows where possible, casement otherwise --- all plumbing should be in interior walls, & mains/sewage should come from under the slab --- outward opening doors/windows in high-wind locations ...end of my day, so that's what easily comes to mind (there's more).

We have zero heating bills! Passive solar works awesome! It's 🌞 free, clean and easy.

The home that I have owned for 30 yrs has double 2x4 stud offset walls and a heat recovery vent system. 3400sq ft with hot water baseboard heat. Natural gas bill in January was $125 (northern Montana). I am moving and am considering building a new house the same way. I guess the main alternative to limit thermal bridging would be exterior insulation but I am concerned about condensation and proper ventilation of the wall unit.

No air infiltration == No noise infiltration. I bet this house is so quiet inside; would be so nice.

Hello, I am really enjoying your channel and find it very helpful as I am planning winter home down south. Have you ever done, or considered doing a Quonset home / interior?

Wow, this information was so helpful. Thank you. Do you think you can achieve the same efficiency with a house that has a lot of faux windows. Going to build a lake house, but I want a lot of windows to bring in the light and the views. Also, did you use the Zip System Sheathing or regular OSB?

what caulking type did you use to seal?

Did you get a blower door test or a HERS rating?

Would that also work for keeping the heat out during the hot summer months?

With a home so well insulated, what can we do to bring in fresh air? Older homes breathed better but they spent more money on heating/cooling.

I'm cold

New build efficiency in old style. I hate so many new homes.

Where the is this, California? I have built all over the south east and NOBODY can afford to do all this shit.