When driving past a metal building home, you may think it is hot, hard to cool, or would be more expensive to regulate the temperature. This common misconception is false.
One of our past customers who built a barndominium with three HVAC units claimed that it was only $20 more to control the barndominium compared to his other home.
In this blog, we will break down the seven ways to design a barndominium for maximum energy savings from building materials to construction methods. There are seven different ways you can build your barndominium for long-term energy savings.
Insulating a shelter has drastically evolved over the past century. With modern technology, we now understand that the type of material and overall design play a role in the thermal transfer of heat.
If you have ever stayed the night in an old farmhouse, you feel the drafts of air from the walls. While homes are better insulated today, post-frame construction takes the lead in terms of being more energy-efficient.
The post-frame advantage is that the insulation is more continuous since the walls are 8' on center compared to 16 to 24 inches in stick-built homes. The studs act as bridges, allowing heat to escape through them. Post-frame design drastically reduces these bridges. Additionally, opting for horizontal wall girts over vertical wall studs will maintain continuous and uninterrupted insulation.
The type of insulation also plays a significant role in determining the energy efficiency of your home. Fill the wall cavities with high R-value insulation. Spray foam is a widely popular choice due to the tight seal it provides. Batt insulation is another great option at a lower price. Additionally, consider whether to install perimeter insulation or attic insulation.
Additionally, don't lose heat to the ground. A concrete slab is a massive heat sink that will constantly pull warmth from your home in the winter. Install a continuous layer of rigid foam insulation (XPS is common) directly beneath the entire concrete slab. Insulate the exterior edge of the slab foundation from the top of the slab down to below the frost line. This creates a complete thermal break from the cold ground.
An airtight home is an efficient home. When building a barndominium, there are four key elements to ensure your home is protected from wind, rain, vapor, and thermal transfer.
Including a building wrap on your barn home creates an additional layer between the metal and insulation. This is a low-cost, high-reward option as it helps defend against any potential wind, water, or pest that may get behind the metal.
Additionally, ensure that wherever pipes or wires pass through the metal roof or siding, caulk is used to provide an airtight seal.
Now that the home is airtight, consult with your HVAC about how fresh air will be brought in. You may need to install a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). These systems bring in fresh air while transferring the heat (and humidity, with an ERV) from the stale, outgoing air to the incoming air, saving a massive amount of energy.
When selecting windows for your pole barn home, consider double-pane or even triple-pane options. The air in between the panes is often either Argon, Krypton, or Xenon. These gases, denser than air, serve as a barrier against outside temperatures that single-pane windows cannot offer.
When selecting your pole barn home walk doors, consider various styles, colors, and features. However, to maximize energy efficiency, select insulated fiberglass or steel doors with a thermal break. Ensure they have high-quality, adjustable thresholds and full-perimeter weatherstripping to create an airtight seal.
Look for energy-star-rated windows and doors to ensure you get the most energy-efficient options for your shop house.
Whether you're exploring barndominium floor plans, using FBi's free 3D design tool, or browsing our gallery for inspiration, it's easy to start envisioning your perfect space. While it's tempting to focus on aesthetics, those choices can add up quickly. But what if you could design a barndominium that not only looks great but also saves energy—and money?
Work with nature, not against it. By incorporating passive design strategies, you can utilize your barndominium's orientation and features to naturally regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.
When it comes to heating and cooling your barn, there are similar energy-efficient options available compared to those used in new home construction. It is essential to consult with an HVAC professional to determine the correct unit size.
Just like Goldilocks, a system designed for the same square footage as a stick-built home, where ceilings are typically 8 'to 9', will not work as well in a barndominium since you may be trying to control ceiling heights of 12 'to 16'. The same can be true for a system too large. You will end up spending more on the unit, and it won't work as efficiently.
Ensure that your furnace, air conditioner, and water heater are adequately sized for your space and its intended use. In addition, there are two other options that are more energy-efficient and worth considering.
Heat Pump
During the cold winter months, a heat pump extracts heat from an external source and transfers it indoors. In the summer, the direction of the heat flow is reversed, extracting heat from indoors and transferring it outdoors to provide air conditioning.
Radiant Heat
If you are prone to seasonal allergies, this may be the solution for you, as the heat is generated by warming the concrete. Your barn will feel warm and cozy. Plus, this system is more efficient since heat can be lost in the ductwork of traditional HVAC options.
Adding solar panels to your pole barn home, whether on the roof or ground-mounted, is a great way to lower your energy costs and utilize renewable energy sources.
When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by photovoltaic (PV) cells. This energy creates electrical charges within the cell, generating electricity to power your pole barn, house, or grid.
Do you live in a windy area? Consider installing a home wind turbine.
Wind energy systems can be one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems. Depending on your wind resource, a small wind energy system can lower your electricity bill slightly or up to 100%, help you avoid the high costs of extending utility power lines to remote locations, and sometimes provide DC or off-grid power.
To make your barndominium efficient, consider implementing energy-efficient appliances and systems. Start by investing in Energy Star-rated appliances, which use less energy and water compared to standard models.
Additionally, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring that you're not heating or cooling your space unnecessarily.
Next, focus on insulation. Proper insulation in your walls, roof, and floors can significantly reduce energy loss. Look for high-quality insulation materials that fit your climate needs. Sealing any gaps or cracks around windows and doors will also help keep your indoor environment comfortable while lowering energy costs.
Another effective strategy is to utilize renewable energy sources. Installing solar panels can provide a sustainable energy solution, reducing your reliance on traditional power sources. Not only can this lower your energy bills, but it can also increase the value of your property.
Finally, consider the layout of your barndominium. Positioning windows to maximize natural light can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, using light-colored materials for roofing and siding can reflect heat, keeping your home cooler in the summer months.
By combining these strategies, you can create a more energy-efficient barndominium that is not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly. Ready to get started? Call us at (800) 552-2981 or click the button below for a free pole barn estimate.
Have more questions about pole barn home energy efficiency not covered in this article? Please contact FBi Buildings at 1.800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our sales team will call you.