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Here are a
few examples of what you can do to add energy
saving techniques to your construction plan.
Insulation- walls R-13, floors R-19, ceilings R-30
Wall insulation acts as a sound barrier
and a moisture barrier against outside elements to prevent damage of interior
walls. It acts as a Fire Barrier in walls, especially if there is no fire
blocking in the wall construction. Most of all it prevents the cool air
that you circulate in you building from leaving, therefore causing your
cooling equipment to run less and saving energy and $$$.
Exterior Doors with magnetic weather
stripping: Seals any air cracks that come from the edges around your exterior doors,
which can be more then you would think.
Foundation Moisture Barriers: (example) laying black plastic on the ground
under your foundation to prevent moisture from building up under your
home, preventing moisture to be absorbed into any wood structural materials
under the home.
Foundation Venting: Any foundations with block or stem walls should be vented to prevent
moisture build up under the home. This prevents mold, mildew and possible
ground movement.
Proper Attic Venting: Cross venting and the venting of excess heat from your
attic is essential for your house to have a proper air flow which keeps
the air circulating in your home, preventing build up of odors, mold build
up and excess heat.
Interior Sealant System: Sealing all the areas that can cause air
leaks during the course of construction is a key to energy good sense,
chalking and foaming of exterior and interior walls were air and small
bugs are likely to enter and exit is done by foaming all roughed in plumbing
inlets, chalking the bottom plate of all exterior walls and sealing any
electrical boxes after sheet rocking that might have potential leaks.
These are some of the areas to check for a good interior sealant system.
Energy Efficient Appliances: Stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators
and microwaves are some of the appliances that need to be installed in
a home, by doing this you can save a great deal of electricity and $$$.
These appliances are labeled (energy efficient) and are made to save energy and perform better.
Fast Recovery Hot Water Heaters:
These electric water heaters have
a dual element system that heats your water faster and at the same time
saves electricity.
Solar Hot Water Heater: A great source of sun power, save $$ on
electricity and the government gives a very good tax credit.
Low Volume Toilets & Water Restricting
Faucets: These fixtures use much less water and don’t make you feel like you are
using less, they cost no more then other fixtures but conserve a great
deal of water.
Dual Pane Windows: Here in Hawaii it sounds dumb to put in dual
pane windows when it never gets cold, but the cool air you produce from
you’re A/C units goes right out through your windows even if they are
closed. Dual pane windows have a gas filled air space between the glass
that holds in the cool air in your home just as it would hold the heat
in if you were in a colder climate.
Other items may include:
Timers, Ceiling fans, Skylights,
Tyvek wrapping the exterior of the building, etc.
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