Why a north-facing home can save your power bill

Sunlight – it’s the ultimate source in brightening the interior of a home and in helping reduce its running costs . . . and that’s a hot button with many buyers.

Jonathan Charles of Independent Woden, who lists this week’s Kambah feature property, says home orientation and the presence of solar installations are high priorities.

“Homes that benefit from maximum natural light are firm favourites, as is a position that captures the northern light,” he says.

“Sunlight makes a home feel really welcoming, and it can be a major factor in creating an instant emotional connection.”

Charles says the sense of wellbeing that a bright home fosters cannot be underestimated.

“It brings a sense of comfort and creates a welcoming environment,” he says.

Charles says there are many ways to attract light into a home with big windows and surfaces that reflect light at the top of the list.

Andrew Potts of Altair Property, who lists this week’s Reid Or Try These property, says he has noted an increasing appreciation among buyers for homes with installed solar panels.

“They see the value add in a system already in place and certainly recognise the benefits of reduced energy costs,” he says.

“Energy from the sun is free and at a time of increased cost of living pressure, the presence of energy-saving devices is seen as a real plus by buyers.”

Potts says they are also increasingly paying closer attention to home energy efficiency ratings along with the presence and effectiveness of insulation.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS

Orientation
The best way to get natural light into a home is to give it the best start with site orientation that maximises northern light and warmth in the cooler months.

Features
Light can also be drawn in through architectural features include floor-to-ceiling windows, clerestory windows, skylights, atriums, glass panelled doors and more. A neutral or white colour scheme can also help amplify light.

Power
Sunlight can also be used to help power a home and reduce operating costs through solar panels, solar water heaters and battery storage. Maximise the benefits by improving insulation and draught-proofing.

THIS WEEK’S FEATURE PROPERTY

View property

A big block is a big winner for many Canberra buyers and this 1000-square-metre-plus beauty comes with a solar passive home that sits on landscaped gardens with bonus views.

The spacious four-bedroom family home enjoys an exclusive location on the sought-after Gleneagles Estate and makes the most of its address with north-facing orientation that draws in an abundance of natural light into the main living areas.

The floor plan offers a main bedroom suite towards the front with the balance of the bedrooms cleverly located around the main living areas, but not directly off them.

Character features include high, raked Tasmanian oak ceilings, exposed beams, skylights and a central atrium. The huge main bedroom features built-in wards and an ensuite with a bath.

Huge windows in the living room provide views to the resort-style pool and mountains in the distance. Behind the lounge is a dining room that could easily be used as a home office or other options.

The open-plan kitchen features double Bosch ovens, a dishwasher and walk-in pantry. There is a second living area adjacent.

One bedroom overlooks the landscaped side garden while two large bedrooms at the end of the home also have garden views. 

Outside, there’s a spacious timber deck with plenty of room for entertaining that overlooks a welcoming pool. There’s a double garage.

The home is close to the Murrumbidgee golf course, local shops and schools.