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.