Energy costs for Australian households have been soaring sharply in recent years and are likely to continue increasing. This means it's becoming increasingly important to live in energy-efficient homes.

Proper planning is one of the most important factors for project success. Before starting your house construction project, it helps to research your options for energy conservation. Below are four great energy-saving tips to consider for your new residential building.

1. Take advantage of natural light

Monthly lighting expenses can cause your domestic utility bills to add up quickly. If you want to keep your lighting bills as low as possible, consider using natural light to light up your living space.

For instance, installing large windows maximises the amount of light in every room of the house. For areas of the house where large windows aren't viable, skylights can be used to bring in more natural light.

Installing low-E windows is an excellent way to increase natural light while minimising solar heat gains through your residential windows.

2. Use fans with your AC system

Along with heating, air conditioning accounts for a significant percentage of the annual energy usage in Australian homes. If you want to reduce your air conditioning costs, consider using a fan with your air conditioning system. 

If it is powerful enough, the fan should help distribute the cool air throughout your home, lowering your indoor temperature and domestic energy bills in the process.

3. Build with thermally-efficient materials

A home's roof and walls are constantly exposed to the outside environment and account for a significant percentage of the building envelope. That said, they can impact the home's energy efficiency in a big way. 

If you want to maximise your residential energy efficiency, build your roof and walls with materials that allow for airtight construction. This way, you can minimise heat transfer in your home and increase energy savings.

4. Add insulation

Aside from using materials that make airtight buildings, make sure your entire house is adequately insulated to prevent further heat gains and losses. Some areas of the home that may require insulation include the attic, roof, interior walls and more.

Building a new home will offer you the chance to significantly reduce your domestic energy consumption, carbon footprint and energy bills. These are goals that can be accomplished by adopting a passive house design. For professional advice and assistance with designing an energy-efficient home, feel free to consult a passive house designer based in your area. They can provide more information regarding energy-efficient home designs.