5 Smart Choices For Constructing Energy Efficient Homes

Energy Awareness Month in October serves as an important time for consumers to research and select the most sensible, energy-efficient materials for home construction. Homebuyers making smart choices on materials for the “building envelope” of their home can save every year on energy bills.

Energy Efficient Homes
Energy-efficient Series 2000 garage door from Haas Door combines beauty, function and energy efficiency features.

Step #1: Energy-Efficient Foundation
“Every home starts with a foundation so it’s critical to select a reliable one,” says Jim Costello, president of Superior Walls®. “Precast concrete foundations can help ward off heat loss plus provide more comfortable living space in the home.

“Constructed with 5” of interior insulation and reinforced with steel, Xi PlusTM foundations serve as the first step in constructing an ENERGY STAR® qualified home.”

Step #2: Windows With Special Features
As the shell of a home goes up, there are many holes to fill — the most important being the windows. Selecting high-quality, low-maintenance windows that have exceptional features will pay off with years of comfort in the home and significant savings on energy bills.

When thinking about windows, consider not just their looks, but what special aspects they can bring to a home. Here’s a great example. During the past 20 years Harvey Classic vinyl acoustic window systems have been specified almost two dozen times as part of airport sound abatement projects across the country.

“Harvey’s acoustic windows help make homes quieter, and at the same time help homeowners save on heating and cooling costs,” says Ken Howland, sales manager for Harvey Building Products. “These windows are ENERGY STAR qualified and independently tested to meet all sound abatement program performance issues.”

Step #3: Privacy Windows for Special Areas
While clear glass windows generally dominate a house, there’s always room for privacy windows in key areas of the home. Fortunately, Hy-Lite offers energy-efficient acrylic block awning and casement windows featuring E3 SunBlocks.

This unique block limits solar heat gain through tinted UV inhibitors in the resin while also including an extra panel of acrylic in the center of each block for added energy efficiency.

“These easy-to-operate windows are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms where homeowners don’t wish passersby to have a clear view into their home,” says Roger Murphy, president of Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company. “The E3 SunBlock windows can help keep a room more comfortable during all types of exterior temperatures.”

Step #4: Garage Doors
One of the largest openings in the building envelope — the garage door — should also be selected with energy efficiency in mind.

The 2000 Series garage doors from Haas Door have a calculated R-value of 17.66 and a full thermal break in the construction of the two-inch thick doors. This eliminates metal-to-metal-contact and limits the transfer of temperature.

Filled with dense CFC/HCFC-free polyurethane foam insulation, the garage doors are manufactured with heavy gauge galvanized steel that incorporates the look of embossed wood grain. Enhanced air infiltration seals in the section joints restrict air movement to increase the energy efficiency of the garage door.

Step #5: Up on the Roof

Energy Efficient Homes
Cool Roof composite roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes can help reduce the temperature of the roof surface, resulting in lower attic temperatures and lower energy bills.

At the top of the house, including a Cool Roof made of durable composite slate or shake can save homeowners years of maintenance hassles and energy expenses. These special roofs actually help reflect sunlight and heat away from the home.

“The composite Cool Roof tiles we manufacture help to significantly lower attic temperatures, resulting in lower energy bills,” says Michael Cobb, president chief marketing officer at DaVinci Roofscapes. “According to the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR program, Cool Roofs can help reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 10 to 15 percent for a homeowner.”

Source: Superior Walls, www.superiorwalls.com

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