Energy Efficiency in Green Building

Many products and building techniques will maximize energy potential. Build your home to save you money in energy costs for years to come. It begins with the structure of the house. Start with a tight building envelope to protect against heat, cold, air and moisture infiltration.

• A conditioned crawl space will allow you to place mechanical equipment in a conditioned space where equipment will not work as hard and be exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Include High Efficiency Low E2 Windows, properly installed and flashed to protect against air and moisture infiltration.
• Air Sealing penetrations in walls and framing members on exterior walls reduce the transfer of energy.
• Advanced framing techniques (PDF) involve intentional thought to allow for additional insulation to be installed in walls reducing cold spots. You can utilize as many aspects of advanced framing as practical or are comfortable with.
• Design energy heel trusses into your home to allow space to put more insulation where the roof meets the wall, an area where you typically can’t get enough insulation installed.

An Energy Star® certified house ensures your home is tested to meet the advanced standards in energy reductions, and will save you up to 30% in utility costs. There are many different options available to upgrade insulation values (PDF) in the exterior walls. Discuss these options with your builder to determine which method is best for you.

Heating and Cooling

There are several options that will maximize efficiency and lower your energy costs.

• Geo-thermal (Ground Source Heat Pumps)
• Radiant Heat
• High Efficiency Heat Pumps
• Install duct systems that are sealed and tested so air is delivered without being lost. Eliminates the potential for contaminated air being introduced
• Variable speed furnaces allow equipment to run only as much as necessary
• Programmable Thermostats allow you to regulate temperatures and control the operation of equipment when you don't need it to run

Water Heating

High Efficiency water heaters reduce the heating and cooling of water; water stays hot longer. On Demand Tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it. Recirculation pump for hot water also help so you are not wasting water waiting for it to warm. Install a timer or sensor so it operates when you are home and need hot water.