Will my Home be Energy Efficient?
Energy efficiency is on the top of everybody’s concerns. Knowing all of your options and having experienced tradesmen doing the installation correctly can make a huge difference on your energy consumption. Many energy concerns are addressed in code requirements such as; minimum “Energy Rating” for the entire House Envelope including R-values required for walls, ceilings, windows and doors, etc., programmable thermostats and minimum mechanical standards. There are many other specifications and installation procedures that can significantly increase the energy efficiency in your home.
Considerations:
- High Density Insulation
- Properly insulating of basements, frost-walls and ceilings. (If you are finishing your basement, you should do more than the minimum.)
- Properly insulate behind electrical devices and fixtures.
- Proper installation of house wrap.
- Insulating and sealing around windows and doors.
- Be sure roof insulation extends out completely to the outside of the exterior walls.
- Order “Heals” on your trusses (Or in cutting rafters) to be sure full R-Values are achieved at the eaves.
- Seal all penetrations.
- Installation of High Efficiency Furnaces and Boilers.
- Energy efficient Air Conditioners.
- Installation of High Efficient propane fired hot water heaters or Boiler Mates.
- Energy efficient light fixtures.
- Energy Star rated appliances.
- Low-E windows and doors.