I saw some new houses being sold with this talk about bioclimatic architecture and energy efficiency. Does it really save money on the electricity bill? How much more does a house like that cost compared to normal projects?
The savings on your electricity bill are real, but payback takes a while - we're talking 10, 15 years depending on how much you're paying for energy now and how well the house was actually built.
The problem is that a lot of builders talk about bioclimatic design but only halfway finish the job, so before you close the deal go find someone who already lives in this kind of house in your area and ask them for their electricity bill, it might seem weird but it's totally worth it.
One thing nobody mentions is looking into whether there are ICMS credits or state incentives for renewable energy (solar panels mainly), because in some states you can really bring down the construction costs and then the investment actually makes sense.
It really depends on your current consumption and how long you're planning to stay in the house.
If you're someone who doesn't spend much time at home or already has low energy bills, maybe the extra investment isn't worth it as much, but if you work remotely like me (I started working from home during the pandemic) and have a high electricity bill, it pays off quite a bit in the long run.
The extra cost usually ends up being like 5-15% of the total house value, but you make that back through energy savings in 10-15 years, depending on the region and construction quality - and you still end up with better indoor comfort.
The thing is: what's your monthly consumption like now and how long are you thinking of staying in that house?
Decent thermal insulation + smart solar orientation + natural ventilation really do make a difference in your electricity bill, that's a fact. Now, how much you actually save varies quite a lot depending on your region's climate and how the house was actually built (because not every house they sell as "bioclimatic" is really that optimized). Around 20-30% savings is realistic in many cases, but some people see less depending on the specific design.
The problem is the extra cost. Usually construction ends up 5 to 15% more expensive, depending on how many bioclimatic features they threw in. If the house costs €300k, that can be €15k to €45k extra. Then you've got to do the math: if you save €500/year on energy, it takes you 30-90 years to recover the investment. Sure, the house is more pleasant to live in (fewer drafts, better temperature) and its value goes up more when you sell it, but that's a benefit you don't see right away.
Personally, my take is it's worth it if: a) you plan to stay there for many years, b) your region has harsh summers/winters, c) the extra cost doesn't squeeze your budget. If you're moving in 5-10 years or already have low energy bills (well-insulated house, mild climate area), maybe it's money wasted. But if you're choosing between two projects and the price difference isn't huge, the bioclimatic option comes out ahead in the long run.
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