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Underground homes or earth-sheltered homes as some call them lie
mostly beneath the ground's surface. These houses are inexpensive
to heat and cool since the surrounding soil acts as natural insulation.
Those who design underground homes have come up with several methods
for regulating the temperature.
While some underground home depend entirely upon the insulation
provided by the soil surrounding walls and floor, others have tubes
channeled through them to bring in fresh air. Still others use a
heat pump to regulate temperatures.
Most underground homes are made of concrete and one can expect
to pay 10-percent more for construction of these earth-sheltered
homes than a typical home. Enthusiasts say, though, that at least
10-percent or more is saved from lower maintenance and energy costs.
Underground homes are not suitable, though for northern, permafrost
regions.
The U.
S. Department of Energy (DOE) agrees with the energy savings
of underground, earth-sheltered homes saying, "If you are looking
for a home with many energy-efficient features that will provide
a comfortable, tranquil, weather-resistant atmosphere, an earth-sheltered
house could be right for you."
The DOE differentiates between underground homes, which are almost
completely underground and earth-bermed homes which may have one
or two sides exposed, "A bermed earth-sheltered house may be
built above grade or partially below grade, with outside earth surrounding
one or more walls. Such a structure can accommodate more conventional
earth-sheltered house designs, such as elevational and penetrational."
Some other advantages of underground homes are lower insurance
premiums, natural sound insulation, less susceptibility to fire,
high winds, hailstorms and tornadoes to name a few. Privacy is another
issue stated by underground home enthusiasts, which lured them to
build below the surface.
No matter whether you're a fan of underground or earth-bermed homes,
we have something for you on this site. If you keep checking back
we may even surprise you with a few things you hadn't anticipated
as well. And, we promise not to keep this information underground.
Did I mention that we're heavy into humor around here?
I know a few of you who will dig that.
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