Is the straw bale construction efficient for low utility bills?
A. Straw bale houses date back more than a century in the U.S. Today, they are becoming more popular throughout the world because of their energy efficiency, use of a waste material and global warming concerns. Straw is considered a waste product from farming and it creates a disposal problem for farmers. The two most common types of straw in the U.S. are from wheat and rice. Straw bale sizes are typically referred to as two-string and three-string bales with the latter used more often for houses. The costs to build a straw bale house are equivalent to a standard lumber framed house. The straw bales are available everywhere. If you are lucky enough to live near a farmer who has a straw disposal problem, the cost is extremely low.
