| 1. |
LONG TERM DURABILITY and MAINTENANCE COSTS |
| |
S&S Homes ENERGY STAR HOMES are constructed with healthy, non-toxic durable building materials. Durability is defined as the ability of a building to maintain its intended function for its intended life expectancy with intended levels of maintenance. Durability begins with the material we used for the foundation and exterior
walls.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's)
The foundation and exterior walls were constructed with ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms). ICF's are hollow forms made of two expanded polystyrene panels connected by polypropylene webs. During construction the forms
are stacked (like Lego's) to the desired height and then filled with concrete. An ICF constructed structure requires 30-50% less energy for heating and cooling when used in conjunction with other energy saving products. They
are also wind, fire and insect and rodent resistant as well as provide a safe, quiet and comfortable atmosphere for homeowners for many years. Concrete walls built with ICF's may last in excess of 100 years with minimal
maintenance required to the walls. |
| 2. |
Energy Efficient Windows & Doors |
| |
Windows and exterior doors have ENERGY STAR® ratings, and openings are sealed tightly to avoid heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
|
| 3. |
Energy Efficient Heating/Cooling, and Water-Heating Systems |
| |
An ENERGY STAR HOME has energy-efficient heating, cooling and
water-heating systems. |
| GEOTHERMAL HVAC |
| |
Geothermal units are similar to conventional heat pumps. They differ in that they rely on the near constant temperature of the earth as a heat source for the winter and a heat sink in the summer. Throughout most of the U.S.,
the temperature of the ground below the frost line (3-8 feet below the surface) remains at a nearly constant temperature. ( North: 45-50 degrees F, South: 50-70 degrees F) So, in the winter, the geothermal unit can extract heat from ground that is relatively warm compared to the outside air, and in the summer, it can discharge heat to the ground that is relatively cool compared to the hot outside air.
Geothermal systems provide heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, at efficiencies that are far better than those for most alternative systems. Geothermal units are environmentally responsible. The system merely transfers heat from the ground to your home eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels (oil, gas, propane) to create a warm interior environment thus:
| 1. |
The system drastically reduces carbon dioxide emissions (a green house gas) compared to other heating systems and... |
| 2. |
Completely eliminates the heating system as a source of carbon monoxide fumes Not only economically efficient, a geothermal system is environmentally friendly as well as a safe and healthy alternative to traditional furnaces. |
|
| 4. |
Indoor Environmental Quality |
| |
A balanced mechanical ventilation systems help ensure optimum indoor air quality by bringing plentiful filtered fresh air inside the house. and vent stale air outside. The continuous supply of fresh air helps eliminate common household
contaminants. |
| 5. |
Renewable Energy |
| |
THE SUN—A TIMELESS SOURCE OF ENERGY
|
The home should generate some of its own energy with technologies like photovoltaic systems. PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting SOLAR RADIATION into DIRECT CURRENT. After the initial investment is recovered solar energy is practically FREE, virtually
maintenance free and will last for decades. Solar engergy does not require any fuel therefore reduces dependence on foreign sources of energy and is clean, renewable, operates silently and protects the environment. More solar
panels can be added as the family needs increase.
If your system produces more energy than you use…your utility company can buy it back from you or apply a credit to your account. (NET METERING) |
| 6. |
Energy Efficient Appliances |
| |
Take simple steps like switching to CFL light bulbs, Energy Star appliances and using smart power strips that turn off electronics when not in use
APPLIANCES should have ENERGY STAR® ratings. All appliances have two costs. The first cost is the purchase price that you pay at the store. The second price tag is the cost to operate the appliance over its lifetime. When adding these two costs ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances cost much less.
LIGHTING- Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) use 2/3rds less energy and can last 6 to 10 times longer than incandescent lights.
Reducing energy use...reduces energy costs
And not only a financial savings to the consumer but in addition
it can reduce dependency on foreign energy imports.
|
| 7. |
Home Operation |
| |
The home orientation on the site allows abundant natural daylight into the interior to reduce lighting requirements and takes advantage of any prevailing breezes. |
| 8. |
Landscaping |
| |
Xeriscaping
Your future land area around your home should be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants rather than waterguzzling plants and grass. |
