Energy Efficient Remodeling
It's a myth that superior home energy efficiency can only be
achieved by building a new house from the ground up. True, an older
home might require more work and related expertise to reach the same
efficiency in energy and resource standards as the new house next
door. However, the variety of products and systems now available has
made the difference imperceptible.
Consider the following methods and materials that can achieve
high levels of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in a
remodeled house:
Windows and Doors: The key to saving energy
is to control it. In particular, leaks and thermal transfer around and
through older, single-pane, aluminum-framed windows make it impossible
to regulate and manage a home's energy use. Replacing outdated and
inefficient windows and patio doors with insulated, dual-paned windows
dramatically reduces the waste of energy used to heat and condition
indoor air. Just as important as the window units themselves is their
correct installation. The structural frame openings should allow for
some small measure of expansion and contraction and be sealed against
air transfer with insulation and/or a low or zero-VOC caulking agent.
Sealed Penetrations: Though obviously much
smaller than a window or door, small penetrations in exterior walls
and the roof, and interior gaps -- such as those for venting,
plumbing, electrical outlets and other services -- can add up to big
leaks and high energy bills. Simply sealing these openings, often with
a spray-applied, expanding foam product, all but eliminates air leaks
and the accompanying thermal transfer.
Semi-Conditioned Space: Adding insulation to
the roof rafters to create a semi-conditioned attic is vital for
energy cost savings. This reduces thermal transfer between the living
areas below and the unconditioned air outside the roof structure, thus
reducing thermal loss for the entire house. Homes in hot, humid
regions experience additional benefit because moisture build-up inside
the attic is less likely. Semi-conditioned spaces are also better for
locating heating, cooling, ventilating, and air distribution
equipment. Because temperature extremes are reduced, such equipment
can operate less often and under less stress, saving energy and
extending the life of the equipment.
Upgraded Equipment: There's no reason why an
older home can't garner benefits from today's high-efficiency
furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps to create a comfortable and
clean indoor environment. It is possible that the newer systems might
require altered ductwork but the benefits of a modern HVAC unit are
attainable. These units save energy by recovering (or recapturing)
more of the heat or cold from exhausted air (depending on the season),
which is then transferred to fresh air coming into the house. New
equipment also works on variable speed cycles, either to maintain a
preferred indoor climate or to boost the flow of conditioned air when
needed, such as in the morning. A programmable thermostat, which
easily replaces a manual version, enables the homeowner to manage
when, how long, and to what temperature the equipment should run to
achieve the desired effect without waste of energy.
These are just a few examples of what can be done to upgrade
an existing home to achieve more energy efficiency. In fact, there is
scarcely an energy-efficient product, system, or method that cannot be
included with advantage in a remodeling project. It's a benefit that
smart, resource-conscious remodeling contractors offer to improve the
living experience of their homeowner clients, while simultaneously
lowering the operating costs and raising the resale value of the
property.
Warm
regards,
 
Bob Fleming
Classic Remodeling & Construction,
Inc.
1832 River Road
Johns Island, SC 29455
843.763.3297 - phone
843.766.9342 - fax
dreams@classicremodeling.com
www.classicremodeling.com
c.
2009
All rights reserved.
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