Green Building
Energy star and Green efficiency homes incorporate environmental and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process. Green homes take advantage of nature processes in order to use less energy, consume less water, and produce less waste. Insulations, orientations towards light, air circulation, energy efficient appliances, and lighting are all considered. Furthermore, these renewable energy sources decrease the overall energy consumption within the home. Houses built to the green specifications include additional energy saving features, as presented in the prior discussions, which makes them 20-30% more efficient than the standard home. Green homes are not only more cost-effective in the long-run, they also provide an healthier and more durable environment for the home.
Annual energy bill using energy saving materials for a family of four is approximately $2200. The following categories were included:
- 22% — Heating
- 17% — Cooling
- 14% — Water heating
- 13% — Appliances
- 12% — Lighting
- 04% — Electronics
- 11% — Other (ceiling fans, outlets, phones, etc.)
Energy Star Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Energy Star fixtures not only use less energy they save money and help to protect the environment. Saving energy helps you save money on your utility bills while protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change. Energy star fixtures use ¼ the energy of traditional lighting which saves money on energy bills. Bulb replacement with 26 watt CFL’s is a money saving choice since they can last about 7 years. Replacing 12, 100 watt incandescent lights with 123, 26 watt CFL’s may amount in a savings of $204.20. Energy star fixtures and bulbs distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures. Fixtures come in hundreds of decorative styles to choose from and usually carry a two year warranty.
Energy Star Rated Appliances
Energy Star qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, Energy Star qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source.
Due to advanced technologies washing machines require about 50% less water than a standard machine. The use of sensors in dryers helps to prevent energy waste using 30-40% less energy.
Energy Star Refrigerators have better insulation and more efficient compressors with improved heat transfer surfaces. Energy Star qualified appliances use 10 – 50% less energy than standard appliances. Temperature is more precise verses refrigerators that do not qualify for Energy Star. Energy saving refrigerators must not exceed minimum federal standards of energy consumption by 20%. Savings can add up to $50 – $70 annually.
Energy efficient dishwashers incorporate “smart” features such as energy-efficient motors and sensors to determine length of washing cycle.. Energy Star qualified dishwashers use at least 41% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are more durable and efficient. Performance is dependent on the heat exchanger and a dual flame burner. Here are just a few of the benefits from a Noritz tankless water heater:
- Increase level of efficiency
- Stabilizing temperature fluctuations
- Boosting performance of flow rate
Noritz tankless water heaters are made of a commercial grade copper and steel to avoid leaks and cracks. It has a dual heat exchanger thus producing over a 93% efficiency rate. Water heating bills will be lower because there is no pilot light. As a result, one can save about half the cost of regular water heaters since there is no re-heating of water. Water heater uses approximately 25% of all energy consumed in a household. Warranty is 12 year replacement on the heat exchanger.
Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Low flow Delta plumbing fixtures save substantial amounts of water compared to conventional fixtures. Saving waters reduces utility bills and the amount of fresh water used. Showers being used at a rate of 2.00 gallons per minute compare to 2.5 gallons per minute and lavatory faucets are used at a rate of 1.5 gallons per minute compared to 2.5 gallons per minute. Toilets use large drain passages and have redesigned bowls and tanks. Low flow toilets could save up to 22,000 gallons of water in a year for a family of four. Conventional faucet aerators don’t compensate for changes in inlet pressure. New technology compensates for pressure and provides the same flow regardless of pressure. Showerheads use similar technologies and contain multiple flow settings. Warranty is from 1 to 5 years.
American Standard Toilets
American Standard technology reduces overall water usage in homes by using high-efficiency toilets that save water while achieving green building ratings. These energy-efficient toilets use 20% less (1.28 gallons per flush) water than standard 1.6 gallons per flush model toilets. Not only are you saving money and water usage but you are experiencing no clogs and no double flushes due to the superior flush performance.
Weather Shield Windows (ZO-E weather shield package)
Weather shield windows save on energy use, sun damage and energy bills with a savings of almost 30%. They provide protection from UV-A and UV-B radiation. They can protect home draperies, furniture, and floors for 95 to 99.9% of harmful radiation and provide up to 65% visible light transmittance without compromising energy efficiency. Its glazing system feature creates an effective insulating barrier against heat flow, sound and condensation. Windows resist dirt and cause water to sheet off thus making cleaning easier. Warranty is for a period of 20 years with free from defects.
Icynene Spray Foam Insulation System
Spray foam insulation is less susceptible to airborne moisture, pollutants and allergens. Icynene is healthier, quieter, and more energy efficient. Spray foam expands into cracks, crevices and gaps to reduce air leaks. Icynene contributes zero fuel to a fire and performs far better than a traditionally vented home in severe weather. Spray foam can reduce energy costs up to 50% versus conventional insulation. Icynene not only insulates, but also seals the building envelope to significantly reduce energy bills. There is a limited life time warranty.
Sealed Crawl Spaces
Sealed crawl spaces reduce moisture, mold, and rot. It saves on energy since it is 13-18% more energy efficient. It protects a home’s comfort and air quality from outside temperatures and air contaminants. Here are just a few of the benefits of sealed crawl spaces:
- Cooling and heating systems operate more efficiently
- Save money on heating and cooling
- Eliminates odor
- Less movement and buckling in hardwood floors
- Lower maintenance
- Increase home value
In a vented crawl space 40% of house air came from crawl space in winter compared to less than 6% of a sealed crawl space. Reduction of heating and cooling can be cut by an average of 15%. Controlled temperature and humidity increase structural integrity and decrease the possibility of condensation and excessive dampness that may lead to mold growth.
Vented Fireplaces
Vented fireplaces provide clean air without any possibility of indoor pollution along with heat and more realistic flames. The front of a direct vent fireplace is sealed airtight. Double pipe allows the exhaust to escape while other pipe pulls in fresh air. All exhaust fumes including odors and moisture are taken from the home. Vented Fireplaces provide an excellent source of heat because of its efficiency rating of 80%.
Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers are installed mostly in the attic of homes to reduce heat transfer by thermal radiation across air space between the roof deck and the attic floor. These barriers consist of highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. Therefore, it results in a 5-10% lower heating and cooling costs. Radiant barriers usually consist of a thin sheet or coating of a highly reflective material (aluminum) applied to one or both sides of substrate material (Kraft paper, plastic films, plywood sheathing & air infiltration barrier material).
Sherwin-Williams Low or No VOC Paint
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These photo-chemical compounds react in the air creating ground level ozone (smog). VOCs can remain in the air for days, months, and even years. VOC related air pollution can cause eye, throat, and skin irritations. Products with no VOC or low VOC help to minimize the impact on air quality while delivering maximum performance. When searching for the most safe & durable paint products, it’s important to look for “Zero-VOC” or “Low VOC”.