Whole Home Energy Efficiency: Part 2

In order to create the best energy efficiency in a new construction home, we do not just look for the best systems and materials, we look at how each of these points interrelate in order to create the most comprehensive long-term cost savings. That's what we've done when we've put together the 15 points that create an integrated energy saving system in your home. In our last post we talked about the first 7 systems in the home that help save you money including a variety of ways we insulate the home from foundation on up, energy star appliances, and the third party inspectors who calculate our HERS scores. The following 8 points complete the overall home energy system for greatest savings and efficiency. Technologically advanced fresh air indoor ventilation system with fan recycler- helps control allergies and asthma by bringing in fresh air and reducing allergens, dust mites and the possibility of mold. The system recycles the air in the entire home every 24 hours. Air Pressure Balancing - Our homes are built so tight, we ensure that fresh air is drawn in and distributed even when there is no call for heating or cooling. The pressure balance inside the house should be nearly neutral with respect to the inside at all times, under all conditions. Economically 92%-96% gas heating system and SEER16 air conditioning system - This system works in conjunction with our fresh air ventilation system. The system kicks on every twenty minutes pulling 6% filtered fresh air into the home eliminating the bad air that carries mold, mildew and other common household toxins. Not only will this reduce the allergy and asthma symptoms, but it also keeps the air circulating to prevent those hot/cold spots in the house. Vinyl windows with high performance low-e glass - Windows can account for up to 30% of annual energy consumption of a home. High-performance low-e glass, with its dual-pane insulated glass system, can drastically reduce this consumption by keeping warm air in during the winter, and hot solar rays out during the summer. Durable window flashing - While looking at high quality windows, the flashing around the window is equally important. This prevents air and water infiltration over the life of the home. Polycel caulking - This air seal calking around windows, doors, joints and sill plates cuts down on leaks and air infiltration and makes a tighter more energy-efficient home. Insulated and mastic sealed a/c ducts (R8) - Ducts in the home are wrapped in mylar, a material developed by NASA, creating less than 5% leakage. The average duct leakage in other homes is approximately 25%. Advanced framing techniques - Ideal Homes uses advanced framing techniques that reduce spaces that cannot be insulated. This makes the home tighter and more energy efficient. All these materials and mechanical systems, along with those described in part 1, are brought together in order to create the most efficient whole home energy effective arrangement.