Energy Savings

Concrete's energy efficiency is another significant benefit. Compared to wood, all concrete masonry building methods provide superior insulation, tighter construction and greater thermal mass, which improves control of heating and cooling changes.

Today, energy efficiency is vital in every home. Because of the thermal mass, concrete masonry is excellent for solar home designs, which use high-thermal-mass materials to collect and store radiant energy. In winter, concretes’ thermal mass absorbs heat by direct sunlight through properly oriented windows. At night, the concrete releases the stored heat to warm rooms.

This all translates into smaller HVAC units and reduced monthly utility bills. Homes built in cooler climates can produce greater savings on heating; those built in warmer climates, greater savings on air conditioning. Also, in general, the larger the house, the greater the savings. Beyond utility costs, maintenance costs are also lower and the concrete house will last considerably longer than stick-built ones.