Energy-efficient dwellings are a more-than-desirable a feature of landscapes today, particularly in developed nations where environmental pollution has reached alarming levels. An energy-efficient home is a delight to enter into and occupy. A building with energy-efficient features scores low on resource exploitation and high on energy conservation. The rules of having an energy-efficient home are not as complicated as made out to be; a few thumb rules, if strictly followed, should do the trick.

1.    Small houses are more energy efficient than big houses.
2.    A radiant barrier for the roof is essential to keep the heat from penetrating into the house.
3.    Walls of the house must be exotic insulated.
4.    Thermal efficient windows should be used.
5.    Ground floor windows must have a metal bar for security and a screen for bugs, while windows upstairs windows should be opened on the cooler side of the house to circulate the air up and out without a fan.
6.    Clay tiles with lighter colors are the best choice to reduce heat.
7.    An attic fan helps cut down heat.
8.    Always provide shading for the windows on the hot side of the house, and position windows near trees on the outside that lose leaves in winter.
9.    Add plenty of thermal mass such as concrete, stone, and tile inside the home to act as a natural heat regulator.
10.    Add solar panels, tied into the electrical grid. With rebates, and the cost wrapped into the mortgage, they are cash positive from day one. If you retrofit later, and they are not part of the mortgage, the payback takes maybe 20 years.
11.    Research with the water heating is an on-going process. Anyhow, tank less water heaters are best. But they require continuous maintenance. Now continuous circulating water heaters are nearly as efficient as tank less heaters, without the maintenance hassle. New gas condensing types are just hitting the market, with even greater efficiency.
12.    Use gas because gas is cheaper than electricity.
13.    Keep your ductwork sealed and insulated, and within the insulated envelope of the house as opposed to in a hot attic or cold basement.
14.    Keep your AC compressor and condenser on the shady side of the house.
15.    Take steps to reduce humidity inside the house to make it more comfortable during hot weather. Avoid houseplants, and use bathroom exhaust fan when showering.
16.    Use LED or compact fluorescent lighting wherever possible.