Perhaps also a better alternative to high heating and cooling systems and expensive construction costs.
2006-07-02 16:39:27 · 5 answers · asked by noirsolaris 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
In my part of the country, many partial berm and "underground" homes were built during the energy crunch in the 1970's. The underground homes usually had one largly glass wall with a southern exposure. the rest of the house was buried under several feet of soil.
I haven't seen one of these built in many years, but I am not surprised to see renewed interest. These homes built back then were plagued by moisture problems, but then again, the technology was pretty crude. I can tell you that the resale value of most of these homes did not make them a smart investment form an appreciation point of view. With the inherent problems, and limited buyer's market, they actually depreciated for many years.
There is no doubt that the idea is sound. I am sure that the technology has come a long way since then, but I haven't kept up with it and can offer no advice. If you think we are in a severe energy crisis for the long haul, by all means this might be the house for you.
Good luck with your home.
2006-07-08 09:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by exbuilder 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
What your considering is called a "EARTH HOME". Lots of people are doing it now. Four feet under the soil in your area the ground temperature never changes. Ours is around 59 degrees. So your central heat and air only has to change the ambient temperature 15 to 20 degrees to keep you comfortable.
Most people won't go 4 feet down. Just 2 feet of earth coverage is awesome. Imagine 24 inches of insulation? Or even just 12.
Plus "EARTH HOMES" normally have a cement structure which adds to your insulation level.
Some drawbacks of a "EARTH HOME" are lots less windows, and since they are so airtight mildew and stale air can be a problem.
Overall I say build one or buy one. You'll be happy.
mike
2006-07-02 16:51:33 · answer #2 · answered by miketyson26 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure you have good ventilation! But yes it is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. also-you are protected from tornados
2006-07-02 16:44:31 · answer #3 · answered by Martin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it works well but the problem is mold, mildew and water control issues.
2006-07-02 16:46:52 · answer #4 · answered by xtowgrunt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it would but you would have to put plastic down like for gardens so weeds couldnt get in
2006-07-02 16:44:23 · answer #5 · answered by pat102pc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋