Building Technologies & Energy Efficiency
The rapid advancement of computers
and technologies are having an awesome effect on construction materials
and systems. The first zero energy homes have been successfully constructed.
Now that great home construction technologies exist we are faced with
the real dilemmna, which ones do we invest in?
Making your
new home energy efficient doesn't have to break your budget. There are
many inexpensive construction technologies that we incorporate into
every home we build.
Options Our Homes Include
Radiant barrier sheathing - Significantly cools
attic temps
Exterior foam lathe (stucco) - Increases wall insulation
by 25%
Low-e duel pane windows w/ vinyl frames
Programmable thermostats
Higher efficiency HVAC and water heaters
We also try to incorporate passive energy conservation into the design
of our homes.
Orientation - Harness solar heating and lighting
Consider increasing the overhang for cooling in the
summer
Some green building options that we try to incorporate are:
Recycled finger-joint wall framing
Trussed roof framing conserves lumber & waste
Flyash concrete made from recycled concrete
Less Expensive Options That We Offer
Extra attic insulation - Saves energy loss to
the attic
Whole house fan - Pull in the cool evening air in minutes
Triple-pane windows - Windows are the largest energy
loss
Lighting control systems - Dim all your lights
Whole house wraps - Radiant barrier or vapor barrier
Tankless hot water heaters - Run on timers and save
water and energy
Solar attic fans - Cool off attic more efficiently
Most of these cost less than .5% of the total home price and can significantly
reduce energy consumption. Some green building options at this level
would include:
Recyclable roofing or siding - Less impact on environment
Low flush toilets with two flush capacities
Front loading washers - Use less water
Home recycling - Promotes home owner recycling
Geoscaping - Native plant species for landscaping using
less water
More Expensive Options Available
Solar roof panels - Generate your own power!
Solar hot water heaters - Saves you $20-40 per month
& conserves!
Geothermal heating/cooling systems - Heat & cool
your house
Home automation control systems - Open the windows
at a set time, etc.
Solar radiant heating systems
These options can cost over 10% of the total home price. Some green
building options at this level would be:
Rainwater recycling systems catch and conserve rainwater
Green roof or one that incorporates vegetation over
a sealed roofing membrane - Reduce temperatures & slows peak storm
rain runoff
The Ultimate Argument for Solar
Power
How much is your utility bill? Let's say you have a larger home
(+-2500sf) and your utility bill consistently costs +-300$ per month.
If you were to install an 8kW solar system that costs $60,000 and generates
1200kW/month you would probably eliminate your $300 per month energy
bill.
15 years to pay off
$60,000 @6% over 30 years = $360/month
Costs extra $60 per month (360 - 300 savings)
Break even per month when energy rates increase 20%
When you consider that local energy rates have been increasing @ over
6.7% per year for over 30 years then it will take about 3 years until
you are saving money per month! It's a "no-brainer."
Source: CPUC "Electric Rate Compendium" Nov. 2001
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