How does a log home retain the heat?
Have you ever wondered how a log home retains the heat? This article will share with you the ABC’s of building a warm and cozy log home.
Logs are one of the best types of insulation for a home. They have their own energy efficient insulating factor. How it works is the timbers will absorb the warm air throughout the day and release it as the night gets cooler. This is similar to how rock walls retain and release heat as well. This helps to keep your home at a cooler temperature during the day and warmer at night. We’ve written an article breaking down how log homes are insulated.
Even though logs have their own form of insulation and are considered to be four times warmer than concrete blocks, six times warmer than brick and fifteen times warmer than stone, there is still need for a secondary heat source. Having a central fireplace in your home is one of the best ways to heat your entire home efficiently. We have seen some homes with a fireplace on the outside walls; however, there is greater heat loss so a central interior location is the better choice.
As you go through the design and planning stage of your home there are some key things to consider when talking about how you are going to heat your log home:
Heating options for your log home
How are you going to heat your home? The heating systems now available are far more efficient than they were years ago and you can choose from wood, electric, propane, natural gas and geo-thermal to name a few. These can all be incorporated into the design of your log home but be sure to discus this with your designer early on so that any specialized requirements are handled up front.
Location…Location…Location…
Choosing the location for your home can mean huge savings in heating bills. South facing walls will be warmer in the summer but will also bring more light in the winter months. Hill sides, hill tops and lake front locations each have their own weather and wind patterns that can aid in the heating and cooling of your home.
Landscaping around your log home
The landscape surrounding your log home will play a huge part in the heating and cooling of your home. Deciduous trees offer shade in the summer and allow for the low sun in the winter months to warm your home. Some trees take longer to mature than others so it’s a good idea to research your options and local nurseries will have suggestions on what will work best in your area.
Would you like to experience traditional log home living?
We have a beautiful show home available for bookings (view photo gallery) or open to potential clients. Contact us if you would like to inquire about our show home or other projects.