Hotter Days Mean Higher Energy Bills: How Building with MgO can Reduce Your Energy Costs

Shannon Ross Aug 2, 2023

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, one of the most significant challenges we face is rising temperatures during the summer months. With scorching heat becoming the new normal, cooling our homes has become a necessity. Unfortunately, this often results in higher energy bills, leaving homeowners burdened with the cost of staying comfortable. However, there is a solution: Magnesium Oxide (MgO) building materials. In this article, we will explore the correlation between hotter days and higher energy bills, and delve into how MgO buildings can mitigate these costs and make a positive impact on our wallets and the environment.

The Soaring Cost of Summer Energy Bills: A National Concern

Summer has always been synonymous with vacations, barbecues, and trips to the beach. However, it has now become synonymous with rising energy bills as well. The increase in energy consumption during the hot months is a significant concern for households across the country. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average American household spends approximately $400 to $600 more on energy bills during the summer months compared to other seasons. These expenses primarily stem from increased air conditioning use to combat the sweltering heat.

As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the trend of higher energy bills is projected to persist. This not only puts a strain on household budgets but also raises environmental concerns due to the increased greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation.

MAXTERRA: A Revolutionary Building Material

Enter  MAXTERRA Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Board - an innovative and eco-friendly building material that offers a promising solution to this escalating issue. MgO is a naturally occurring mineral, often referred to as magnesia, and is known for its exceptional fire resistance and thermal conductivity. In recent years, MgO has gained popularity as a green alternative to conventional building materials like cement, gypsum, and wood.

 Building with MgO : How can it Reduce Energy Bills?

  1. Superior Thermal Performance: MgO exhibits excellent thermal conductivity properties, which means it can efficiently regulate indoor temperatures. MgO boards and panels, when used in construction, act as an effective thermal barrier. They help keep indoor spaces cooler during summer, reducing the reliance on air conditioning systems. As a result, occupants enjoy a comfortable living environment without having to endure exorbitant energy bills.

  2. Reduced Cooling Loads: Cooling loads refer to the amount of cooling required to maintain a comfortable temperature inside a building. Traditional building materials often absorb and retain heat, leading to higher cooling loads and increased energy consumption. MgO, on the other hand, has a lower heat absorption capacity, which helps keep indoor spaces cooler for longer periods. This, in turn, reduces the workload on air conditioning units, resulting in significant energy savings.

  3. Improved Insulation: Proper insulation is key to lowering energy usage. MgO boards possess good insulation properties, which help prevent the escape of cool air from the interiors during summer. This ensures that the cool air stays inside, maintaining a pleasant indoor temperature and requiring less energy to maintain.

  4. Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems: MgO buildings are often designed to complement energy-efficient cooling systems, such as geothermal cooling or solar-powered air conditioners. When combined, these technologies create a sustainable and cost-effective cooling solution for homeowners. These energy-efficient systems, when paired with MgO building materials, result in substantial savings on energy bills over time.

  5. Durability and Longevity: MgO is highly durable and resistant to decay, which means buildings constructed with MgO materials require fewer repairs and replacements over their lifetimes. This longevity not only contributes to sustainability but also saves homeowners from incurring additional costs for maintaining their properties.

 

Environmental Benefits of MgO Buildings

Apart from financial savings, MgO buildings also offer significant environmental benefits. Traditional building materials like cement and wood have high carbon footprints due to their energy-intensive production processes and contribution to deforestation. In contrast, MgO is a naturally occurring mineral that can be sustainably sourced and manufactured with lower environmental impact.

Moreover, MgO's fire-resistant properties reduce the risk of building fires, providing an added layer of safety for occupants. This could potentially lead to reduced insurance premiums for homeowners, further contributing to financial relief.

As hotter days become a reality, rising energy bills are a growing concern for households across the nation. Embracing innovative building solutions offers a way to combat this problem while also making a positive impact on our environment. MgO buildings provide superior thermal performance, reduce cooling loads, improve insulation, and complement energy-efficient cooling systems, resulting in significant energy savings.

Beyond financial benefits, MgO buildings contribute to sustainability by lowering carbon footprints and promoting safety through fire-resistant properties. As we strive to create a more sustainable and resilient future, it's crucial to consider alternative building materials like MgO that can help us tackle the challenges posed by climate change and rising energy costs.

Investing in MgO buildings not only makes economic sense but also demonstrates our commitment to a greener and more sustainable world for generations to come. So, if you're planning to build or renovate your home, consider the numerous benefits of MgO construction and make a positive impact on your energy bills and the planet.

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