WHAT’S NEW IN THE 7TH EDITION? Updated Products Sustainable NEW Our guide features a number of Appliances Efficient new products. Don’t miss new Learn what’s new in energy Windows “smart” devices that improve your efficient appliances, including Check out our side-by-side home’s energy efficiency, condensation clothes dryers comparison of energy efficient insulation to significantly improve your home’s R-value, that save homeowners a ton windows to make the best counter tops made from recycled materials, and more. on energy bills. (p. 48) choice for your home. (p. 40) The Homeowner’s HANDBOOK Remodeling? Building a new home? This comprehensive guide has you covered. Understanding the thousands of choices available 7th when constructing or improving a home is daunting. CONTENTS EDITION Add in efforts to use “green” products, and the task gets even more complex. That’s why we created this Exteriors 18 Handbook—to help you manage your project, by Roofing 22 separating the really important choices from the rest. Structure 26 Here’s the essential information you’ve been looking Insulation 30 for, in one handy annually updated guide. Air Quality 34 Windows 38 Heating & Cooling 42 Lighting 46 Appliances 48 Faucets & Fixtures 52 Finishes 56 Cabinets & Tops 60 Alternative Energy 64

Award-Winning Coverage of Sustainable Construction, Products and Lifestyles

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of the go-to green guide for OUR 7TH EDITION homeowners celebrates solar innovation and new products, and brings you the in-depth information your GREEN PROFESSIONALS: SHARE IT! THE HOMEOWNER’S clients need to know about sustainable construction. HANDBOOK Green building professionals: Feel free to share chapters of The Homeowner’s Handbook with clients, friends and prospective clients. Visit our website for a free download—or to purchase hard copies: www.greenbuildermedia.com/the-homeowners-handbook

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15 GB 1016 HH-TOC.indd 15 10/18/16 9:59 AM Ridge Mounted Solar Solar Windows. Hot Water System. Every south-facing window in This system uses heat the home contains an integral from the roof to boost 2 photovoltaic mesh that hot water heating at the generates electricity. ridge. It also clears the The Super Solar House way for roof-mounted PV panels below. Infrared Spectrum Solar Panels. These panels convert the infrared region of the electromagnetic 1 spectrum into electricity.

Building-Integrated PVs. Tiles with solar PV circuitry are integrated with traditional roofing materials, creating another seamless source for power generation. 6

3 Graywater Purifier/Solar Still. 7 This system (not yet available) uses 5 UV rays to destroy harmful bacteria in graywater, making it more suitable for reuse. Such systems 9 might tie to devices that extract 4 water from the surrounding air, such as the new Sun to Water device that just hit the market (www.suntowater.com).

10

Solar-Powered Mini 8 Split Heat Pump. Mini split units consist of an outdoor heat exchanger and compressor, as well as Solar Furnace. Solar Pavers. an indoor blower. They Solar Porch Overhangs. Solar energy is Rugged, weight bearing PV use outdoor air to heat Translucent, power-generating collected from panels interlock, and can be EV Solar Battery and Inverter. and cool the home and panels are incorporated PV panels and placed atop existing roads High-capacity batteries and super-efficient are powered by the sun. into roof overhangs. used for heat and walkways. Some models inverters extend the viability of PV panels, throughout the in the works include to charge vehicles and operate household home. snow-melting capabilities. appliances, even during off hours.

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WOOD Glossary of Terms Green to the Core Wood siding is an excellent green choice (not to mention beautiful). Know the Lingo Although people think of wood as a valuable natural resource we

shouldn’t use, it is a renewable product that can be recycled, and, ■■ Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS): A building product Exteriors01 if it goes into the waste stream, biodegrades quickly. If you use that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface Think beyond initial cost. Maintenance matters. wood siding, look for certification by either the Sustainable Forest and waterproofing in an integrated composite material Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). system. Wood products don’t require a lot of energy to produce—when ■■ Embodied Energy: The energy consumed by all of the compared with brick or fiber cement siding. In fact, although wood processes associated with the production of a building, from When it comes to your home’s makes up nearly half of all raw materials manufactured in the United the acquisition of natural resources to product delivery. exterior, durability, maintenance Why Pay More for Brick? States, its share of energy consumption is a small 4 percent. ■■ Engineered Wood: Cladding made from wood strands In addition to new wood siding, you can buy reclaimed wood, that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create and fire resistance are just as though more people opt for pre-primed pine or weather-resistant a strong board. Because they last cedar. ■■ Fiber Cement Siding: Cladding made from a mixture of important as aesthetics. almost forever. Portland cement, cellulose or wood fiber material, sand Bricks come in IDING CHOICES ABOUND for today’s homes. Aesthetics and other components. many colors, are important when choosing one option over another, ■■ Lap Siding: Siding that looks like individual boards, typically textures and Virtues Caveats and when you take the environment into account, ■■ Renewable ■■ May not be perfectly straight, 8’–12’ long. Each piece of siding is lapped over the piece other variations. below it to provide a waterproof covering for the house. some choices just look a whole lot better than others. ■■ Recyclable which can cause install problems Approximately 3” ■■ Vulnerable to pests such as According to research from the Freedonia Group ■■ Little energy used ■■ Portland Cement: Found in stucco and fiber cement siding, it thick, brick veneer carpenter ants and termites (www.freedoniagroup.com), fiber cement, stucco and in its “production” requires intense heat (and thus energy) to produce. ■■ (Boral Bricks are ■■ Biodegrades quickly Offers minimal insulative benefits brick siding will see rapid advances through 2017. Demand for fiber S in a landfill (between R-0.7 and R-1.4 per inch) shown) creates an cement is predicted to grow 8.5 percent annually. Vinyl siding will ■■ Requires maintenance armored shell for remain dominant, but will continue to lose its market share. Although and can shrink and expand FIBER CEMENT your home. The ■■ long lasting, it’s a controversial material made with polyvinyl chloride Can be twice as expensive as Tough Stuff durability of engineered wood or fiber cement (PVC), a plastic that until recently has had a poor recycling record. At Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance product made from sand, brick is one of its least one company (CertainTeed) has now begun to recycle vinyl, and the Portland cement, clay and wood pulp fibers. It’s very strong, long greatest assets. industry is beginning to look more closely at vinyl’s life-cycle impacts. lasting, termite-proof, fire resistant and rot-proof. The product Boral, for example, We haven’t included it here as a “green” option, but we will continue to ENGINEERED WOOD has the look of wood siding, and comes in either a smooth or offers a “two monitor the industry’s efforts to move in that direction. Most Improved wood-look finish. Some manufacturers, including James Hardie lifetimes” warranty. For people who like the look of wood, engineered wood products and Allura, offer fiber cement that has been pre-finished (painted) More info: www.boralamerica.com/Bricks BRICK are a good green option. They are made from wood strands that are in the factory. A Durability Leader coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a strong board. The rub against fiber cement is its high embodied energy, though Made of clay and shale, brick is very durable. It is a solid barrier between the brick and the interior housewrap. This provides The products look like wood. They are free of knots, resist warping manufacturers are moving toward using more recycled content in against weather, and the installation of brick creates a 1” air space insulation against temperature transfer and the transfer of sound, and cupping, and are factory pre-primed to take paint well, which their products. At least one brand contains fly ash. and it also prevents moisture from seeping into the home. Because reduces field and labor time once installed. For extra R-value, fiber cement siding can be installed over foam of its thickness, brick provides thermal mass, making it slow to heat LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, as one example, offers a special insulation board, as on an ICF house, but caution must be taken Virtues Caveats ■■ Recyclable ■■ Resources must be mined in the summer and slow to cool in the winter, which helps regulate manufacturing process that helps protect against termite damage to ensure proper installation. If you decide to go this route, follow

■■ Durable ■■ Not all brick manufacturers have a home’s temperature. and fungal decay. The product also comes with a self-aligning edge manufacturers’ recommendations closely. GB

■■ Resists termites, fire, taken steps to reduce emissions Manufacturers such as Boral Bricks are making brick manufacturing design to make installation faster and easier. Another engineered mold and rot from their manufacturing plants less environmentally caustic. The company recycles waste and uses product, KlipTech’s EcoClad is made from bamboo fibers, recycled ■■ Expensive ■■ Made from abundant air scrubbers to make sure emissions from plants are clean and paper and recycled wood fiber. According to its manufacturer, it Virtues natural materials ■■ Heavy weight ■■ particulate-free. Manufacturer CalStar utilizes fly ash as a binder, is as durable as brick or stucco and resists bacteria and fungus Product is straighter than wood siding ■■ Low maintenance ■■ Superior stability keeps the building envelope crack-free which eliminates the need for energy-intensive kiln firing. growth. Look for engineered wood products that are certified. ■■ Lower cost than wood

■■ Low-maintenance product; may hold stain or paint for for several years longer than wood (7–15 years) THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Virtues Caveats ■■ Won’t rot, buckle or warp Dupont Tyvek HomeWrap James Hardie HardiePanels with ■■ ■■ Lighter weight than fiber Moisture problems can result Caveats HomeWrap is a breathable material that ColorPlus Technology cement or brick from installation errors allows moisture to pass through, promoting ■■ Heavier than most sidings and can crack James Hardie’s ColorPlus technology protects ■■ No special cutting tools or drying and preventing mold and water cladding products against peeling, cracking and fasteners are required—takes ■■ Negligible R-value damage. It also can reduce home energy bills chipping. Multiple coats of a proprietary finish are nails and screws ■■ High embodied energy because of manufacturing process by controlling airflow and water intrusion, applied in the factory to every surface and edge, ■■ ■■ Factory pre-primed Moisture problems can result from installation errors which helps insulation work better and and the finish is cured between coats. A 15-year ■■ Less costly than ■■ Requires special safety training and special gear to protect allows the HVAC system to work more limited warranty covers both paint and labor. real wood against airborne silica—and specific cutting tools efficiently.www.bit.ly/1o20Uqs www.jameshardie.com/Why-Hardie/ColorPlus-Technology

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What Makes a HOME VISION House® at Mariposa PRO TIP: Meadows Sponsor Check out the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website to learn about MARIPOSA Resilient? its Firewise Communities program, and MEADOWS for tips on protecting your home from wildfires.www.firewise.org

Renewable Energy Onsite wind and solar PV systems Right Roofing save energy and turn your home into Metal roofing is a good choice for both a “power house” that can potentially fire and storm resistance. It is also the ideal feed the grid. Solar shingles or a roofing material for supporting solar PV Stormwater Management building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installations and harvesting rainwater. system can minimize the aesthetic Directing stormwater to a rain garden, impact of a solar array. swale or a cistern reduces flooding erosion and water pollution and can recharge groundwater.

Rainwater Harvesting Durable Materials Harvesting and storing water Stormproof Windows Long-lasting siding materials onsite not only saves energy, Reinforced windows with such as brick, stucco and fiber but ensures your home has a impact glass prevent wind and cement also tend to be fire reserve supply if centralized Redundant Systems water from entering the home. resistant. Look for products with service is interrupted. Back-up power sources A rolling shutter system can 50-year warranties. If you do use Recycling graywater and using ensure your home can ride out protect your windows during wood for trim or siding, choose it to water landscaping or flush storms and other emergencies. extreme conditions. a long-lasting, sustainably toilets will stretch your home’s Propane or gas-powered harvested species such as cedar. water budget. generators are a smart option, as are solar thermal systems that can operate independently of the grid.

Multiple Tiedowns Make sure your home is connected from the roof to the foundation. Metal strapping and hangers help the structure resist seismic forces Smart Siting and high winds. Locating homes out of flood and wind zones and siting them to best take advantage of passive solar energy makes them inherently resilient. In the case of this home, its unique circular shape prevents pressure from building Solid Structure up on any one side. Reinforced wood framing and alternative systems, such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) Firewise Landscaping or insulated concrete forms Removing brush and kindling around (ICFs), are all good options for structures minimizes your home’s creating strong, durable buildings. vulnerability to fire. Choose drought-tolerant, fire-resistant native plants for landscaping; visit www.firewise.org for tips on what plants are appropriate for your region.

IMAGE CREDIT: DELTEC HOMES WWW.DELTECHOMES.COM

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METAL Decades of Performance Metal Roofing Set aside any visions of cheap tin roofs. Today’s metal roofing—most of it made from recycled steel—is a lot tougher and aesthetically appealing than the corrugated sections that shelter shacks and barns. Roofing02 That said, metal roofing (right) still makes a distinct fashion statement. Long rows of sleek metal, separated by slight ridges Select the best defense for your climate. (called standing seam) are a departure from tiles and shingles. Metal’s market share in single-family housing has more than tripled (to 7 percent) since 2004. Your roof should protect your That’s partly because metal roofing has a strong environmental Asphalt Composition Roofing story, when you consider the amount of recycled steel it contains, its home from the elements for at durability (usually 50 years or longer), and the fact that the material can be 100 percent recycled at end of life. least 50 years. Make sure your More recently, the metal roofing industry has introduced cool roof investment counts. finishes that reflect the sun’s infrared light to reduce heat absorption Virtues Caveats into the structure by as much as 36 percent; some manufacturers ■■ High durability ■■ Higher initial cost

T WASN’T LONG ago that roofing wasn’t much more than an have also partnered with thin-film solar electric suppliers to create ■■ Infrared finishes reflect heat ■■ Susceptible to impact afterthought—chosen for a house mostly for economic and integrated solar arrays within the panel channels, to generate ■■ High recycled content or walking damage ■■ Colors may fade occasionally for aesthetic reasons, if you could afford it. renewable energy. ■■ 100 percent recyclable ■■ Recyclable does not always But lately, roofing is recognized among the materials that The industry has also expanded its styling, forming and coloring ■■ Fireproof mean “recycled” can make a significant difference in a home’s energy and panels to simulate curved clay tiles or individual shingle shapes, for resource efficiency, spurring debate (and propaganda) about a broader range of housing styles. issues ranging from recycled content and recyclability to Glossary of Terms Ireflective values and durability—all of which work into a thoughtful WOOD consideration of which roofing material makes the most sense for Natural, to a Point Know the Lingo your house. Wood shingles and shakes (p. 23) are the only roofing material

that can claim to come from a renewable resource (trees), although ■■ Deck: The substrate over which roofing is applied—usually ASPHALT it’s important to find out how and where that timber is harvested. plywood, wood boards or planks. Cool Roof Shingles A wood roof can easily last 50 years if installed and maintained ■■ Drip Edge: An installed lip that keeps shingles up Commanding an 83 percent share of the residential roofing properly. Wood shingles applied over a vented roof deck will remain off the deck at edges and extends shingles out over market is no accident. Asphalt composition roofing (right), cooler, dry out faster and generally last longer. eaves and gutters to prevent water from wicking up and under includes conventional three-tab and newer, thicker fiberglass and Wood’s only serious drawback is its inherent flammability and the shingles.

laminated types. These products offer affordable options generally susceptibility to moisture-related damage over the years. Because ■■ Exposure: The area on any roofing material that is left designed to last a maximum of about 25 years. Virtues Caveats of these qualities, fire- and rot-resistant chemical finishes are often exposed to the elements. ■■ Affordable and widely available ■■ Petroleum by-product Asphalt’s biggest environmental bugaboo is that it’s derived from applied—and may need to be re-applied in later years. ■■ Flashing: Materials used to waterproof a roof around ■■ Familiar to installers ■■ Low recycling potential petroleum processing, feeding fossil fuel demand. It’s also tough any projections. to recycle. But the industry has responded to the call for better ■■ New finishes increase heat ■■ Relatively short lifespan RECYCLED POLYMER reflection ■■ Granules: Crushed rock that is coated with a ceramic coating ■■ May leach chemicals into runoff Reuse Rubber and Plastic eco-performance with colors and granular formations that better and fired, used as top surface on shingles. reflect the sun’s heat, reducing the amount that is absorbed into Lightweight, affordable, easy to install and theoretically recyclable, ■■ Ice Dam: Formed when snow melts on a roof and the roof and attic or living spaces below and lessening demand on At the same time, cooler shingles last longer, so they’ve increased recycled polymer roofing products are gaining attention in the mar- re-freezes at the eave areas. Ice dams force water to the home’s heating system—and therefore the energy it consumes. their likely service life. Recycling programs, which convert asphalt ketplace. By preventing the extraction and transport of virgin raw “back up” under shingles and cause leakage. Recent “cool roof” asphalt composition shingle offerings, in shingles into roads, are also becoming more prevalent. You can materials, recycled roofing products are considered very sustainable. ■■ Laminated Shingles: Asphalt-based shingles made fact, have achieved federal Energy Star status for their reflective help by choosing a roofing contractor who participates in such However, the product does require packaging and transportation from two separate pieces that are laminated together. values, helping reduce peak cooling demand by up to 15 percent. programs. to the manufacturer’s facility for reuse. And some reclaimed rooftop Also called dimensional shingles or architectural shingles.

■■ Soffit Ventilation: Intake ventilation installed under VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR GAF Timberline Cool Roof Huber ZIP System the eaves or at the roof edge.

Fabral Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels Timberline series fiberglass- The ZIP System is a structural roof and wall ■■ Steep-Slope Roofing: Refers to slopes steeper than a Durable, low-maintenance metal roofing sheds asphalt shingles from GAF feature system that consists of sheathing and tape. 4” rise for every 12” of length (expressed as 4:12). snow and protects the home from extreme reflective surface granules to It includes water resistance and an air barrier weather. Standing seam panels are finished with the reduce attic heat gain and that streamlines the weatherization process. ■■ Tear-Off: Removal of existing roofing materials down Enduracote paint system, which is guaranteed with a cooling energy use. The Energy To install, put up the panels and tape the to the roof deck. lifetime film integrity warranty and a 30-year warranty Star-qualified shingles also contain seams. ZIP System is 40 percent quicker to ■■ Valleys: Areas where two adjoining sloped roof planes against color fading. patented algae protection with apply than housewrap. It comes in 6,000; www.fabral.com/residential a 10-year warranty. 215,000; and 340,000 square feet. intersect on a roof, creating a “V”-shaped depression. www.gaf.com www.huberwood.com/zipsystem/home-zip-system SOURCE: GAF MATERIALS CORP.

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materials may contain components such as metal fasteners and ad- CLAY/CONCRETE Life Expectancy of hesives, thereby rendering those portions unusable for new roofing Almost Forever Clay or Concrete Tile Roofing Materials products. Clay or concrete roof tiles would appear to have it all: good looks, fire In addition, these plastic products have not been in the market resistance and extreme durability. Recent innovations also address long enough for homeowners to know how stable they are, how well Asphalt 20+ years issues of stormwater management, and enable cool roof capability. they hold up to UV light degradation and what kind of expansion- But the high cost of buying and installing masonry tile roofing has contraction issues may occur over time. Fiber Cement 25 years relegated its use to regional styles and high-end housing. Since 2004, its share of the residential roofing market has shrunk in the U.S., but CEMENT COMPOSITES Wood 25 - 30 years is growing steadily worldwide. Lower Life-Cycle Costs Nonetheless, a quality tile roof that is installed over a heavy-duty Also scoring high in the recycled content category are cement com- Slate 50+ years underlayment and screwed to the roof deck (not just mortared) posite roofing materials, such as fiber-cement shingles, which offer should last for decades—if not a century or two—before it’s time good durability. However, the sustainability of cement composites Simulated Slate 10 - 50 years* to remove them, replace the underlayment and put the tiles back depends on the source of feedstocks used for production and, more on. GB importantly, the source of energy used to create the cement. Metal 40 - 80 years Fiber-cement products have high embodied energy as well. In response, some companies use fillers like wood fibers or fly ash Clay/Cement Lifetime to reduce the required amounts of cement, concrete and aggregate Wood Roofing material. Another side benefit is these filler materials create tiles Copper Lifetime and shingles, which weigh significantly less than standard concrete SOURCE: NAHB AND INTERNACHI Virtues Caveats *The two sources reported large differences on the longevity of this material. roofing products and therefore require less energy to transport. However some fiber-cement roofing shingle products were discon- ■■ Durable ■■ High cost (materials and Mitigating Factors. The actual lifespan of roofing materials installation tinued after beginning to fail from swelling, cracking, shrinking or ■■ Abundant resource and low depends on original quality, installation, maintenance, climate embodied energy ■■ Heavy and other factors. discoloration within five years. ■■ Natural insulating qualities ■■ Some types may be susceptible

■■ Class A fire rating to freeze-thaw damage Sustainable Spectrum: Low-Slope Roofing HAT IS THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION Virtues Caveats FOR FLAT ROOFS? The durable synthetic Consider a green roof for capturing ■■ Renewable ■■ High cost (materials and rubber membrane known as EPDM (ethylene installation) ■■ Some natural rot resistance stormwater and mitigating the ■■ propylene diene monomer)—with its low ■■ High natural insulating value Flammable W ■■ Requires chemical treatment for installed cost—continues to be a popular choice. However, as ■■ 100 percent recyclable and “urban heat island” effect. a petroleum-based product with a fairly short service life, it is biodegradable fire safety and durability not all that sustainable. Responding to the market demand for sustainable products, some manufacturers have begun offering “cool” EPDM in white, to decrease unwanted heat gain to the interior, extend the membrane’s life and help mitigate the heat island effect. Cost per Year of 100 sq. ft. (Over 35 years) Otherwise, a protected membrane roofing assembly Cedar Wood Shake Roofing Durability enhances durability for low-slope roofing and could therefore While numbers vary somewhat by brand be considered sustainable, says Christopher Dixon senior Vermont Slate GAF TruSlate and installation quality, the chart at left offers associate/architect and specifier at NBBJ in Seattle. Imported Grade 1 Tile (Clay) a broad overview of the long-term cost of “Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane roofing materials PHOTO COURTESY: PHOTO INTERGCONGREEN.COM COURTESY: Aluminum Shingles different roofing types, based on expected are popular today and have recently replaced PVC as the A Growing Trend. The green roof topping Armstrong Atlantic LudoSlate (Clay) lifespan and maintenance. Created by a most common thermoplastic membrane material,” adds State University’s Learning Commons absorbs rainfall and Synthetic Slate (Polymer) roofing reseller, the chart shows only a few Mark Yanowitz, principal and licensed construction designer reduces stormwater runoff. Eagle Tile (Concrete) brands, but as a general rule, you get what at Verdeco Designs in Andover, Mass. “They are generally the product quality and proper installation, so do your research. 3-Tab Shingles (Asphalt) you pay for. An early initial investment in preferred over PVC, as they are considered a ‘cleaner’ polymer, At the same time, Yanowitz suggests that the leading Laminate Shingles (Asphalt) metal or high-end laminate shingles pays containing less problematic additives than their PVC equivalent. sustainable strategy for flat roofs is integrating a green planted Stone-Coated Decra (Steel) back nicely over time. All thermoplastic membranes are recyclable, but to date, the roof. “Along with protecting the roofing membrane below, these Wakefield Bridge (Steel) – Editor local and national secondary markets are not well established.” systems can greatly assist in the building insulation and in the AmeriCana Panels (Steel) TPO is white (and therefore, cool), but longevity depends on reduction of stormwater runoff.” $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 GRAPHIC: WWW.ABSROOF.COM

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HH-book.indb 24 10/18/16 9:54 AM HH-book.indb 25 10/18/16 9:54 AM The Homeowner’s Handbook SEVENTH EDITION Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy Structure03 What makes Think in terms of systems, not just sticks and bricks. FRAMING green? Use a two-foot modular construction. Wood framing, concrete Dimensional Lumber A building design based on two- foot increments makes sizing more blocks and SIPs each have PRO TIP: predictable and framing easier to Advanced Framing: install. It also minimizes the amount The method of framing shown of waste produced when cutting pros and cons. Make sure here is called optimum value framing materials. engineering, or OVE. It saves you understand your options lumber and allows for better Line up roof framing with insulating of the home– wall and floor a win-win for the homeowner before you start building. framing. and the environment. HILE WOOD FRAMING is the most common Increase stud spacing from 16” to 24” and and familiar type of home structure, you have replace framing other options, including insulating concrete members with insulation. forms (ICFs), structural insulated panels (SIPs) Wider spacing provides and lightweight concrete blocks. Of course, if Skip the headers; more room for insulation you’re adventurous, many other systems have they are not and can reduce onsite been around for decades, including log homes, straw bale, cordwood W needed in waste. Note: Some and even Earthships. Not every method of construction may be non-bearing jurisdictions in hurricane- or earthquake-prone right for your geography, but most technologies can be modified to Virtues Caveats walls. areas may not allow 24” accommodate your taste and your region. For the purposes of this ■■ Renewable (if forest is well ■■ May create unwanted primer, however, let’s stick to the structural systems your builder managed) thermal bridging framing. is most likely to know and understand. ■■ Familiar to contractors ■■ Requires skilled labor ■■ Excellent durability Use single top plates with in-line framing, to Align window WOOD FRAMING transfer loads directly. Old and New with stud spacing. Wood, by its very nature, is a green product. If forests are managed Insulating Concrete Forms properly, trees grow back. How do you know if forests are being treated with respect? Look for lumber that is certified by the Forest Use a single Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) or the Sustainable Forestry stud at rough opening, Initiative (www.sfiprogram.org). Typically, energy-efficient Virtues LP TechShield Radiant if local builders prefer 2” x 6” lumber for vertical studs in wall cavities, ■■ Very little air wind codes because the wider space allows for more insulation. infiltration Barrier Sheathing ■■ LP TechShield radiant barrier and span Another more recent wood framing technology is called engineered Lightweight forms assemble easily sheathing is designed to lower requirements wood products (EWP). Products such as studs and joists are created in a home’s attic temperature. The ■■ Thermal mass of allow. sheathing blocks up to 97 percent a factory with special water-resistant glues and fibers from leftover mill concrete slows of radiant heat in the roof panel lumber or fast-growing tree species. They are pressed and glued into temperature swings Eliminate cripple Size each insulated from emitting into a home’s attic, header for its particular lightweight floor joists, rafters or other structural pieces. The green Caveats reducing an attic’s temperature by studs under load and span. advantages? First, engineered products use more of the tree—there’s ■■ Exposed foam may up to 30° F. The product includes window opening. need protection VaporVents technology with post- virtually no waste. Second, they tend to be more stable and straight Use header ■■ Some brands lamination incising and is installed Use two-stud hangers instead than dimensional lumber. The downside? Certain products need to like conventional roof sheathing. All require additional corner framing of jack studs. be stored carefully and installed exactly as intended, or they can lose furring strips to wood is sourced through programs certified under the Sustainable with inexpesive their structural integrity. attach drywall Construct a and siding Forestry Initiative. drywall clips. “slab-on-grade” to http://lpcorp.com eliminate first-floor framing and sheathing. IMAGE: BUILDING SCIENCE CORPORATION AND YOUTHBUILDUSA.ORG 26 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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Lightweight Glossary of Terms SIPs on the Roof? Structural Insulated Panels Concrete Blocks Know the Lingo

■■ Dimensional Lumber: Wood that has been cut and shaped Virtues from a single tree, typically used for framing. ■■ Reduces labor time/cost up ■■ Load-Bearing Wall: A wall that helps hold up the house. to 60 percent Interior walls may not be load bearing, but external ones ■■ Excellent almost always are. insulating and air infiltration ■■ Engineered Wood Products (EWP): Structural barrier products made in the factory from industrial wood scrap or fast-growing species, assembled with resins under extreme Caveats pressure. ■■ Storage on site must be dry ■■ Oriented Strand Board (OSB): A type of engineered and flat

wood panel. The thickness of OSB used in most ■■ More expensive SIPs is 7/16”. material The point where wall panels connect to an costs than ■■ Fly Ash: Controversial waste by-product from coal-fired SIP roof is one of the trickier details when stick framing power plants. Used as a filler in some—but not all—brands of ■■ Skilled lightweight concrete blocks. building a complete home shell with these pre- installation recommended ■■ Sound Transmission Class (STC): Refers to how well made panels. Get it right, and you’ll have a super- (for the wall to a wall partition attenuates sound. Products such as ICFs have strong, super-insulated structure. roof transition high STC ratings and greatly reduce noise levels especially) inside the home. IMAGE: WWW.THERMALSHELLHOMES.COM

or polyisocyanurate). SIPs address air infiltration, R-value and LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BLOCKS vapor permeability, while at the same time creating the home’s VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Virtues Caveats Lasting Value structure and providing a nailing surface for siding and drywall. Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) ■■ Easy to handle ■■ May not be locally manufactured Lightweight concrete is a structural material that’s been around So why aren’t they seen everywhere? Because they tend to cost Since 1990, SIPA has worked to advance energy-efficient construction ■■ Less energy intensive ■■ Contractors/masons since at least the 1920s. To create these blocks, the manufacturer more up front than stick framing and aren’t widely understood through the use of structural insulated panels (SIPs). A replacement for than concrete may need training wood-frame construction, SIPs are made of foam core sandwiched ■■ Durable and termite proof ■■ Waste components replaces a portion of the concrete with something lighter and by contractors. But if you figure in the benefits in labor savings between two structural facings. SIPs provide builders shorter construction should be tested/verified better insulating, such as an industrial waste product like fly (up to 60 percent in some cases), plus the ongoing energy payback time and less jobsite waste. Homeowners benefit because smaller heating ash or petroleum-based polystyrene. Some companies such as to homeowners, you can argue that SIPs come out on par with or and cooling systems are required with SIP construction. www.sips.org Cresco Concrete, creator of Liteblok (www.crescoconcrete.com) lower in cost than wood framing. GB use a temporary agent that leaves nothing but air gaps behind. INSULATING CONCRETE FORMS If a product does include fly ash, make sure the manufacturer Light and Tight provides data showing that they have carefully tested and screened Poured concrete walls alone have very little insulating value. Yet the material to keep heavy metals and other toxins out of the end Study: Embodied Energy in the Home concrete can last forever, or nearly so, if it’s protected from erratic product. Materials with higher embodied energy EEH SH moisture changes and freeze-thaw cycles. That’s what makes ICFs need to last longer to justify their cost an excellent structural system. They enclose both sides of a poured STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS Total to the environment. This study from Many Strengths the University of Michigan compared cement wall within a water-resistant cocoon of rigid foam. Another Floors advantage to ICFs is that their assembly is quite simple, and the The concept here is simple. Two sturdy panels—typically oriented an energy-efficient house (EEH) with completed walls have an average insulating value of about R-22. strand board (OSB)—are glued under pressure to a super- Foundation/Basement a standard house (SH)—and measured the energy costs for construction, insulating layer of plastic-based rigid foam (either polystyrene Walls (Ext./Int.) maintenance and improvement of a home Roof/Ceiling within a 50-year lifespan. The EEH does VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA slightly better on these measurements, Appliances/Electrical MEADOWS SPONSOR MEADOWS PRODUCT but greater savings (not shown) will come CICFI Norbord Inc. SteadiTred Stair Treads Windows/Doors from energy savings in the more efficient Comprised of leading ICF companies, the Council These sturdy stair treads are available square-edged structure. for ICF Industries (CICFI) is a non-profit dedicated to or bullnosed, and come pre-sized in popular Sanitary/Piping promoting and enhancing the social, environmental lengths and widths for faster construction. Moisture – Editor and economic value of ICFs in North America. and wear resistant, SteadiTred stair treads are made Kitchen Cabinets Advantages of ICF construction include versatility, from OSB from rapidly renewable aspen trees. strength, energy efficiency and speed of construction. www.norbord.com $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 SOURCE: WWW.UMICH.EDU www.cicfi.org Gigajoules (1,000 MJ)

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Some claddings, Cladding Considerations such as stucco XTRA-THICK LAYERS of exterior insulation can greatly and adhered stone veneer, may improve the energy performance of homes, but installation require additional Insulation04 E requires some special techniques. support between For thinner insulation, the cladding can often be attached directly the structural Proper installation has a major impact on performance. furring strips through the rigid insulation back to the structure. The practical limit to facilitate the of this approach is around 1-½” of rigid insulation, due to the limited installation. Wood fastener lengths for many pneumatic nail guns. shingles require Insulating your roof, walls and a continuous nail Glossary of Terms For thicker insulation, vertical wood furring strips can provide base, which is foundation will also insulate your a cladding attachment location. This approach also provides a best provided by Know the Lingo drainage and ventilation gap behind the cladding, which helps installing another layer of structural wallet from the high energy cost of manage water. To adequately support the cladding, the furring strips sheathing directly ■■ R-Value: A measure of how effectively a material resists heat should be attached back to the structure using #10 or larger wood over the insulation heating and cooling your home. flow. Thus, higher numbers are better. For a full list comparing screws that are sized to maintain a 1-¼” minimum embedment into in place of wood This one-time investment will save various types of insulation, visit www.coloradoenergy.org. the structural framing. BUILDING CREDIT: SCIENCE CORPORATION furring strips. ■■ Batt: A length of insulation that is pre-cut to fit certain wall you money for decades. cavity dimensions. Typically sold in a pre-cut roll. CELLULOSE ■■ Unfaced/Faced Insulation: Faced insulation (typically a F YOU’VE EVER opened up the wall of a home built before Paper Trail fiberglass batt) includes a vapor retarder on the interior face Fixing a Hole about 1950, you’ve probably been shocked to find little or no that restricts movement of moist air into wall cavities. Unfaced Cellulose has a good green story to tell, especially from the insulation—or at best some crumpled newspapers. And even is simply a batt without a vapor retarder. manufacturing side. It’s made primarily with recycled paper, typically the earliest serious attempts at insulation with fiberglass look newspapers, and most brands are treated with boric acid as a fire with Attic Caps ■■ Ridge Vent: An opening covered by a rainproof vent that quaint now. Cavities were often only partially filled. Water follows the peak of the roof, typically required by code. Some retardant. Research on the health effects of boric acid suggest that from outside often leaked in around windows and doors and insulating methods, however, negate the need for a ridge vent. it is a minor irritant in small doses. Cellulose can be installed wet Idamaged the insulation. Of course, homes were so leaky prior to the Clear it with your local code official first. or dry. If installed wet, it should be allowed to dry properly before 1960s that walls dried out quickly, so mold wasn’t a big problem. covering with drywall (typically less than 48 hours). The insulating ■■ Blow-In: Method of introducing loose fiberglass, cellulose or The rules of the game are very different today. Homes are built mineral wool to framing cavities or attic space, typically using value of cellulose is about the same as blown fiber glass (roughly tight—with no tolerance for sloppy insulating. a machine with an attached hose. R-3.7 per inch). Building scientists (a new breed of experts) now have a deep ■■ Blower Door: Equipment used to test the effectiveness of a MINERAL WOOL understanding of how insulation works. They’ve learned that factors home’s insulation and air sealing systems. such as air infiltration, dampness and age can dramatically affect Nothing to Burn ■■ Stud Cavity: The space between the vertical members of Although mineral wool looks like fiberglass, it’s made from basalt performance. a conventionally framed wood or lightweight steel home. rock and slag, not glass. The resulting product, either batts or loose But they also recognize that insulation is part of an energy-saving Common stud spacings include 16” and 24” on center (of stud).

system, not a standalone solution. Good results can be achieved with OWENS CORNING CREDIT: any insulating material, if it’s combined with the right housewraps, Easy-to-Use Options. Using a reflective material to cover tapes and construction details. Here’s an overview of the latest stair openings, the Attic Stairways Insulator by Owens advances in insulation technology. formaldehyde from their products. Some of the largest manufacturers of Corning helps to reduce seasonal heat loss and gain. fiberglass products now offer hybrid systems that include an air-sealing While no one seems to have exact figures, third-party testing FIBERGLASS component. They have improved the performance and handling of suggests that some brands cut attic air infiltration by 70 percent. Installer Friendly blown-in fiberglass, and added to the percentage of recycled content in The ready-made systems, such as Owens Corning’s foil-covered Fiberglass insulation in batt form is probably the most familiar insulating all product lines (up to 40 percent). Attic Stairway Insulator (R-10; $54), are almost effortless to install. product. Changes in recent years have affected the composition of Systems like those offered by Owens Corning work well in attics, chemical binders that hold the product together, along with the size of SPRAY FOAM where traffic is infrequent. In homes where the homeowner the glass fibers. Many brands have removed or reduced toxins such as Filling Every Void trucks in and out of the attic every day, however, other products Insulating walls and ceilings with spray foam is relatively expensive, offer more flexibility. For example, a rigid foam system such as Fiberglass Insulation typically more than twice the cost of fiberglass batts, and most often the Energy Guardian (R-38; $185) has a removable foam top. it’s a job best handled by pros. Why is foam green? Not because of The lightweight Attic Tent (R-3.2; $200) seals tightly with zippers. Virtues Caveats what’s in it. Even the most eco-friendly brands replace only a small THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR ■■ Renewable and ■■ Requires careful Bayseal Insulation So, how much energy do attic caps really save? Attic Tent recyclable installation percentage of their petroleum-based chemical mix with biological Covestro’s Bayseal insulation provides a high R-value and reduces air estimates about a 20 percent annual heating/cooling reduction. ■■ ■■ products such as soy. But the energy performance of foam is hard to Familiar to May need an intrusion, accumulation, radiative heat transfer and air movement. A The products also reduce unwanted air infiltration, offering other contractors additional air beat. Some brands offer insulating value of more than R-6 per inch, spray polyurethane foam expands, filling cracks, crevices and voids infiltration barrier “green” benefits, such as keeping dust and pollutants out of living ■■ Field-proven at the same time sealing against air infiltration. This makes spray to create a seamless air barrier system that provides high building areas and reducing drafts. for decades foam a dual-duty system, ideal for both new and retrofit construction. envelope performance. http://bit.ly/2dM2Rty

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Spray Foam Cellulose WhatWhat makesmakes Insulation Insulation Interior Control Many new homes include interior wall insulation—in part because it makes walls more soundproof. But it also has energy INSULATIONINSULATION advantages. It allows you to “zone” different green?green? parts of the home, so that only the areas of the home being used are fully heated or cooled. Hats and Batts Insulating attic space is relatively easy and offers immediate payoff in both the home’s comfort and reduced energy bills. Think of attic (or rafter) insulation as a thermal “hat” for your home, keeping warm (or Virtues Virtues ■■ High percent of cool) air from escaping out the Rim Armor ■■ Fills gaps and recycled content top. Also, not every roof needs The point were the cavities completely ■■ Little or no toxic offgassing venting, although some building first floor of a home ■■ Provides its own air barrier ■■ Relatively easy to install codes require it. New research meets the second ■■ High R-value per inch shows that unvented attics can has historically been Caveats Caveats ■■ Must be installed carefully be highly efficient, if designed tough to insulate. New ■■ More expensive than to fill all gaps and insulated properly. products and systems competing products ■■ Wet products can be include this part of the ■■ Requires special equipment/skills to install problematic if not allowed house in the insulated to dry properly envelope, greatly reducing energy loss. fill, is non-flammable, requiring no chemical flame retardants. As a result, offgassing emissions tend to be low. Mineral wool includes high levels of post-industrial recycled content waste (up to 90 percent), reducing the environmental impact of its production. Rigid exterior insulation made from mineral wool is now becoming IMAGE COURTESY OF OWENS CORNING available, as well. Double Defense (WWW.OWENSCORNING.COM). THE COLOR To maximize the R-value of PINK IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF OWENS walls, consider using a “hybrid” CORNING: TEXT BY GREEN BUILDER STAFF RIGID FOAM insulation system, combining Water Resistive two or more types of insulation. You may have seen contractors in your area putting green or blue Think of walls as a “system.” Rigid Foam Insulation insulation right over the wood siding of an old house. Chances You might combine foam are, they’re applying extruded expanded polystyrene (XEPS) or board and insulating batts, or incorporate products such as polyisocyanurate closed-cell foam. Both products are dense and durable. EnergyComplete sealant Some building experts suggest that foam used this way can an act as (www.ocenergycomplete. water-resistive barriers (WRBs), negating the need for housewrap, but com), which is part of a whole- we recommend playing it safe and using housewrap as well. Rigid foam home insulation and air-sealing also is a good choice for insulating basement walls. GB system from Owens Corning, designed to help increase a ® home’s overall comfort and VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR energy efficiency. DuPont Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0 DuPont Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0 offers Virtues Caveats the air and water management benefits ■■ High R-value per ■■ Some brands may of DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap and also adds Below-Ground Benefits inch shrink over time R-5 to the wall assembly. Unlike other Uninsulated foundation walls (and slabs) can result in serious energy losses— ■■ Seals against air ■■ Producing synthetic exterior insulation products, ThermaWrap is breathable, allowing any moisture that finds up to 30 percent in extreme climate conditions. Exterior foam insulation is a infiltration foam is a resource- intensive process its way into the wall cavity to escape. good choice in new construction. It not only insulates, but reduces moisture ■■ Good solution for basement walls http://bit.ly/1XQDW7W transfer from outside to inside the home. For retrofiting, foam or fiberglass batts can be placed on interior walls. www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 GREEN BUILDER 33

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Most commercial carpets are made from some variation of synthetic, petroleum-based material. This material is often treated with other Stove Sense chemicals to improve stain resistance, wear or color retention. To make matters worse, many carpets are installed over highly toxic rubberized pads. They may also be glued to the floor with pungent adhesives. That Indoor Air Quality05 new carpet smell you recognize is not something you want in your home. It’s a sign that your floor is releasing unknown chemicals into Remove particles, don’t just send them airborne. your living space. A few of the larger carpet makers—notably Mohawk, Interface and Shaw Industries (www.shawfloors.com) have begun to approach carpets from a more eco-friendly perspective—not only recycling old carpets, but offering less toxic installation systems and Controlling the flow of air in and out products that have lower levels of offgassing. Keep Walls Under Wraps of the home has a huge impact on PRODUCTS AND FURNISHINGS indoor air quality, but monitoring Bringing It Home Carpeting is not the only source of VOCs and other harmful chemi- potential toxins in materials and cals. After your new home or remodel project is complete, make products is equally important. sure you don’t compromise indoor air quality with the products and furnishings you bring into the space. This goes from everything from NE OF THE confusing characteristics of green furniture, which can contain flame retardants and formaldehyde, to building certification programs is the way they cleaning products. moke from residential wood lump together two different aspects of building It may take a little research to ensure items are completely non- science: saving energy and keeping indoor air safe toxic. Some manufactures have made it easier by revealing their heaters contains fine particle and clean. Is a green home one that saves energy, products’ “ingredients” with either in-house labels or by seeking Spollution (PM) and other Oor one that has healthier indoor air than a conventional home? third-party certifications. Several organizations have developed stan- pollutants such as carbon monoxide, The answer is both. How did the two concepts get mashed together dards that make it easier to specify and use low-emission products. this way? Blame tight houses. As windows, walls and basements have Housewrap is only as effective as its installation. For example, These include UL Environment, which developed the GREENGUARD volatile organic compounds (VOCs) become less leaky, the stuff that pollutes air inside the home—glues, metal flashing above doors or windows should be installed standard and which maintains a database of thousands of certified and benzene. Fortunately, newer, EPA- carpets, paints, pressed board cabinets—has suddenly become a lot before the housewrap, not on top of it. products in 28 categories. certified units burn much cleaner and more dangerous. So, here’s the deal. If you want to build or retrofit Virtues Caveats your home to be greener, you’ll have to control the air quality at ■■ Reduces air infiltration ■■ Can’t be left exposed indefinitely CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS are far more efficient. Dust Deniers the same time. There are three ways to do this: first, by eliminating ■■ Repels windborne rain ■■ Requires careful installation The EPA first set emissions standards for wood heaters in 1988. pollutants at the point source; second, by keeping moisture levels ■■ Long service life The carpet industry suggests that the average American family In 2015, the EPA strengthened these standards. The new limit healthy indoors; and third, by mechanically “cleaning” the air. uses a vacuum cleaner at least once weekly, while about 10 percent for particulates emissions for catalytic and non-catalytic wood of us vacuum our homes once or more per day. But the typical heaters is 4.5 grams per hour (g/h). In five years, the limit will Here are some key products whose attributes help home. Housewrap is only as good as its installation, however. upright household vacuum cleaner may not be the solution to drop to 2.5 g/h. The rule does not affect existing woodstoves. provide healthier indoor air: The Department of Energy says that housewrap must be taped at clearing the air in a home. These upright units are not created If you are thinking about replacing your old stove, here are a few every seam. Otherwise, it may be 20 percent less efficient. It’s also equal. Most lack an effective HEPA filtering system—the only points to consider: HOUSEWRAP important that housewrap not be left exposed to sun and wind for too reliable way to capture the fine particles that have been shown Passive Resistance long, factors that can degrade its effectiveness over time. to be harmful to human health. On the contrary, a vacuum with ■■ You can expect to use up to one-third less firewood with a Some modern building products operate passively. Housewraps a non-HEPA filter may simply toss tiny particles back into the air. new EPA-certified wood stove compared to an older, less fall under this description. These weather-resistant barriers allow CARPET A whole-house vacuum solves this problem by actually taking efficient stove. water vapor to escape living spaces and wall cavities (where it Look Below the Surface unwanted particles outside the living space—into a garage or ■■ Newer, more efficient stoves burn cleaner, reducing might condense and encourage mold or mildew), at the same Carpets have only in the last decade or so come under close scrutiny unfinished basement. creosote buildup and the risk of chimney fires. time preventing unwanted outdoor air from creeping into the for their environmental impacts—both in and out of the home. ■■ Some regions host change-out programs and offer incentives for swapping out your old stove for a certified unit.

■■ ® Some new certified stoves exceed EPA standards and VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT ® VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR produce emissions in the 1 to 4 g/h range. Panasonic WhisperFit EZ BEAM Alliance Central Vacuum LEE Industries Furniture ■■ Pellet stoves, which utilize compressed pellets made from Ventilation Fan The BEAM Alliance power unit and cleaning set by Made in the U.S., LEE Industries furniture is free of This ceiling-mount ventilation fan is ideal for Electrolux boasts advanced technology. A high-efficiency flame retardants and is treated with very low-VOC wood or biomass for fuel, are among the cleanest-burning residential remodeling. Built-in Pick-A-Flow motor uses 30 percent less energy than other central finishes. Cushions are made with naturalLEE foam; this stoves on the market. speed selector allows a user to select required vacuums. The system comes with the BEAM Alliance material contains 30 percent soybean oil, reducing the ■■ Gas and gas fireplace inserts, which do not require EPA airflow (80 or 110 CFM). Installation for this HEPA filter and a collection receptacle that snaps amount of petroleum-based content. Back and throw Energy Star-certified fan is made easy with the into place to assure a perfect seal, preventing dirt and pillows are filled with 100 percent recycled fibers certification, burn cleanly and produce few emissions. Flex-Z Fast installation bracket and detachable allergens from re-entering your home. made from clear and white plastic bottles. installation adapter. http://bit.ly/1U48PEQ www.beamvac.com www.leeindustries.com Learn more at http://www2.epa.gov/burnwise

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SPOT VENTILATION THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR Local Management EcoMotor Ceiling Fans Chronic moisture can lead to mold growth. Exhaust fans excel at Ceiling fans from Emerson can help Why Homeowners Don’t Use Range removing excess moisture that tends to build up in specific loca- distribute air during the heating and tions, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Kitchen range hoods also cooling seasons for more efficient use of conditioned air. The fans also help remove cooking contaminants. These fans have become quite so- create better airflow when using natural phisticated and quiet; some manufacturers such as Panasonic of- ventilation. EcoMotor ceiling fans are Hoods— ——and Why They Should fer “smart” models that adjust to changing moisture conditions, or extremely energy efficient, requiring a maximum of 33 watts to operate. The quiet and durable DC motor is capable of six speeds. The fans range that can sense when a room is occupied. Whole-house exhaust-only in size from 42 to 72 inches and come in a variety of styles, from traditional ventilation systems exist, but be aware that these rely on cracks to contemporary. Many are compatible with Emerson’s lkGLO LED light and penetrations in the building envelope to supply the makeup fixtures.www.ceilingfans.emerson.com air that replaces the exhausted air. In tighter homes, this can create “negative pressure.” In general, we recommend using exhaust fans to supplement balanced whole-house ventilation systems. AirCycler g2-k Whole-House Ventilation System The g2-k system integrates with an What Makes One Carpet existing HVAC system and combines the advantages of central fan integrated Greener than Another? supply and whole-house exhaust fan ventilation systems. It includes the AirCycler g2 furnace fan timer, FanConnect bath/fan light switch with The EPA offers a few guidelines: remote fan control and a motorized fresh air damper, available in four sizes. ■■ Low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) www.aircycler.com/pages/g2k

■■ No toxic dyes

■■ Recyclable ENERGY AND HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS Key Component ■■ Recycled content You may have heard of energy recovery ventilator (ERVs) and ■■ Reduced energy use (during manufacturing) their northern cousins, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). This ■■ Reduced or improved air emissions (during heat transfer technology is a key component of any modern manufacturing) “tight” house. Without them, modern houses would probably not ■■ Minimum 10-year warranty be worth the foam, tape and caulking with which they’re sealed. Recent EPA research found that carpet tiles can be a more These mechanical wonders take hot, unconditioned fresh air from outside, pass it over a heat collecting medium, where it gets a

CREDIT: DOE CREDIT: TOUR OF ZERO sustainable alternative than wall-to-wall products. If you stain a section, for example, you can remove and replace partial cool-down before entering the home. A study by John Bower Home occupants are not using Only 8 percent of the participants used their ventilation system it. Also, you can “rotate” tiles from heavy use areas to light (visit www.healthyhouseinstitute.com) found that using a heat whenever they cooked, while 8 percent used ventilation “almost use areas. The EPA’s test building used Milliken 36” x 36” tile recovery ventilator with continuous ventilation cost a Minnesota range hoods to control moisture, never,” and 15 percent used ventilation only “once in a while.” carpet and low-VOC adhesives to test these principles. homeowner just $86 a year. It cost $188 to do the same ventilation The most common reasons cited for using a kitchen ventilation without an HRV. GB but “smart” range hoods will do system were to control odors and smoke. Noise was the most com- this task automatically. mon reason for avoiding the kitchen ventilation system. Ventilation Air Requirements (CFM) ONTROLLING MOISTURE BUILD-UP in the home OUR RECOMMENDATIONS Fresh Air Formula is one of the most important strategies for ensur- Since people are more likely to use a fan if it isn’t noisy, always spec Bedrooms Indoor air tends to concentrate pollutants quickly. ing healthy indoor air. A continually moist en- an Energy Star-rated unit. Range hoods that have earned the Energy As a result, building codes typically have certain Floor Area (ft2) 0-1 2-3 4-5 6-7 >7 vironment harbors biological pollutants such as Star label are not only 70 percent more efficient, they must also requirements for the amount of fresh air that must be mold and dust mites, which can trigger asthma meet standards for noise and efficacy. The Energy Star website also Less than 1,500 30 45 60 75 90 exchanged with stale indoor air over a given period. and other respiratory illnesses. includes a searchable database: http://bit.ly/2dxlYX4 Typically, this is expressed as cubic feet per minute, CRegular use of kitchen exhaust ventilation systems can help con- One of the best innovations in range hood technology in recent 1,501-3,000 45 60 75 90 105 or CFM. An organization called ASHRAE provides trol moisture. Yet, according to a study published by the Forum for years has been particle- and heat-sensing devices. In our view, these guidelines for how much ventilation is needed, although 3,001-4,500 60 75 90 105 120 Family and Consumer Issues (FFCI), most people don’t use range devices should become the de facto standard across the industry. the best means for achieving that ventilation are often hoods for moisture control, but for other issues, such as smoke Further, it’s time for range hoods to be integrated with the Internet 4,501-6,000 75 90 105 120 135 debated. When in doubt, more ventilation is better than and odors. The study, Use of Kitchen Ventilation: Impact on Indoor of Things. For homeowners, reluctant or not, there would be clear less, but you have to balance the resulting energy loss Air Quality, found that noise is a major factor, as is homeowner health benefits to regular use of range hoods. And for those who 6,001-7,500 90 105 120 135 150 with improved indoor air quality. ignorance about the importance of ventilating a modern home. choose not to use the hoods, devices that are “smart” can automati- -Editor Most of the participants (92 percent) reported having mechani- cally kick on anyway, clearing the air for everyone else who lives Greater than 7,500 105 120 135 150 165 SOURCE: ASHRAE 62-2-2003 cal kitchen ventilation systems. Here’s the really interesting part: in the building. Visit http://bit.ly/1PReChg to read the full study.

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with high solar gain, low-E glass. Keep this in mind when you are Glossary of Terms assessing the “first cost” of new windows. Know the Lingo COMFORT

Know the Science ■■ Air Infiltration: The amount of air that passes between a Windows06 For homeowners, how comfortable a house feels can be just as window sash and frame, measured in cubic feet per minute Look for performance, warranty and durability. important as its energy efficiency. An older window with a lower per square foot of frame area. glass temperature feels colder because more heat is radiated from a ■■ Argon Gas: A colorless, odorless, inert gas that fills the person’s body to the window. otherwise empty space within an insulating glass unit.

Cold glass can also create uncomfortable drafts as air next to ■■ Efficient Windows Collaborative: Organization that Window manufacturers are the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This sets up an air provides detailed reports and studies on the value of How Windows Handle Energy movement pattern that feels drafty and accelerates heat loss. using high-performance windows. Visit the website at not only creating more durable High-performance windows with lower U-values will result in www.efficientwindows.org for more information on the a higher interior window temperature in winter and thus greater studies cited in this article. and energy-efficient products, comfort. Proper installation along with weatherstripping designed ■■ Insulating Glass (IG): Glass units constructed of two or more they’re tailoring glazing options for to seal tightly will also improve comfort by reducing cold air leakage. glass panes separated by a hermetically sealed space. During the summer, direct sunlight strikes people and surfaces, ■■ Low-Emissivity Coating (low-E): Low-E finishes reduce specific climates. CONDUCTION creating overheating and discomfort. Windows with low solar heat energy transfer through insulating glass units, and thereby is the direct gain coefficients will reduce the solar radiation coming through the achieve one of the highest levels of energy performance transfer of heat possible for glass. INDOW TECHNOLOGY HAS improved by leaps through the window glass. That’s where low-emissivity (low-E) glass comes in—reducing and bounds over the past few years. Today, you to the outdoors. heat gain while still providing sufficient light and view. ■■ Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures the fraction can get a high-performance window that looks of solar energy admitted, and indicates how well the product good and performs well at any price point. RADIATION LESS FADING AND CONDENSATION blocks heat caused by sunlight. is the movement The windows you select for your house— of heat as infrared Block the Rays ■■ U-Value: The escape of BTUs per square foot per hour, per whether retrofit or new—must meet your energy through High-performance windows with new glazing technologies make degree Fahrenheit. the glass. Wlocal energy code requirements at a minimum and ideally should homes more comfortable. They create warmer interior glass surfaces, ■■ Warm Edge Technology: The use of low-conductance be Energy Star-qualified for your home’s climate. reducing frost and condensation. High-performance windows with spacers to reduce heat transfer near the edge of AIR LEAKAGE insulated glazing. is the passage warm edge technology and insulating frames have such a warm ENERGY COSTS of heated air interior surface that condensation on interior surfaces is significantly The Right Window through cracks and around weather If you want to reduce utility bills, you need to consider the impact stripping. reduced under all conditions. of windows. In climates with a significant heating season, windows SOLAR GLASS Another concern for homeowners is the effect of sunlight on have represented a major source of unwanted heat loss, discomfort CONVECTION the home and its contents. Many organic materials, such as carpet, and condensation problems. But today it is possible to have lower occurs when air fabrics, paper, artwork, paints and wood may fade upon exposure heat loss, less air leakage and warmer window surfaces that improve gives up its heat to sunlight. Window selection can influence the type and intensity to the cooler glass comfort and minimize condensation. and sinks toward the Similarly, in climates that mainly require cooling, windows typically floor. This movement Madico Solar Grey 35 represent a major source of unwanted heat gain—but low-E finishes sucks new, warmer Window Film air toward the glass Madico creates window films that target that reject solar heat without darkening the glass have changed the that is in turn cooled, rules. These glazings significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve applications in Energy-related markets, creating a draft. including solar control window films, comfort, at the same time providing clear views and daylight. paint protection films, photovoltaic As an example, a study by the Efficient Windows Collaborative backsheets and safety/security films. Madico’s Solar Grey 35 rejects more than 99 percent of UV rays, helping

(www.efficientwindows.org) shows that the annual heating cost ONYX CREDIT: SOLAR to reduce heat gain and lower cooling costs. In addition, the film prevents of a typical house in Boston drops from about $750 a year to $550 N UP-AND-COMING technology called building glare, slows the fading of fabrics and flooring and improves shatter resistance. www.madico.com (24 percent) by switching from double-pane windows to triple-pane GRAPHIC INSPIRED BY FINE HOMEBUILDING integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, enables conventional construction materials to generate renewable energy. ® ® A VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT These materials overcome both the aesthetic concerns and Series 3600 90-Degree EuroLine Windows Inc. 4700-Series Schlage Sense Deadbolt physical limitations of conventional solar panels. Onyx Solar has Vinyl Multi-Slide Door from ThermoPlus Tilt and Turn Windows With keyless entry, built-in alarms and durable design, pioneered BIPV technology with its photovoltaic glass, which Western Windows this multi-function lock offers control via simple access This new door is specifically engineered These European-style windows combine a six-chamber comes in a variety of colors and sizes. This special glass can vinyl-fiberglass hybrid frame with optional foam inserts codes, so homeowners never have to worry about losing, for a 90-degree, no-post configuration and triple-pane insulating glazing to achieve the thermal hiding, carrying or forgetting their house keys again. be used in windows, skylights, canopies, facades and floors; for maximum performance and performance needed for passive solar house design—at The touchscreen deadbolt connects with Nexia Home double-pane, argon-filled glass is also available, when greater durability. The design also opens up rooms to the outdoors without Intelligence, enabling homeowners to manage their home security from sacrificing efficiency. Dual-pane, argon-filled, low-E glass make it one of a considerably lower cost. One easy-to-operate handle thermal performance is needed. Look for BIPV to play a larger moves the multi-point locking hardware into place, locking the window on all anywhere. At ANSI Grade 1, the touchscreen deadbolt boasts the highest the most energy-efficient 90-degree multi-slide doors on the market. sides for higher security and a tighter seal.www.euroline-windows.com level of security and durability for residential door locks.www.schlage.com role in the net-zero homes of the future. www.westernvolumeprogram.com

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of transmitted radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most harmful radiation in sunlight. Replace, Restore or Enhance? A Breakdown on High-Performance Windows They are the most energetic and thus most likely to break chemical INDOWS ARE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR in coatings, which can reduce energy loss by 30 percent to 50 percent, bonds, leading to fading and degradation. improving the performance of the building according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some windows Finishes on glass can reduce the UV transmitted by up to 75 EPLACING OLD SINGLE- envelope. But with so many options available, are tinted or coated with heat-absorbing glazing, which absorbs percent. UV absorbers can be incorporated into thin plastic films PANE WINDOWS can selecting the right window can be challenging. solar radiation and reduces the solar heat gain coefficient, visible in multilayer windows or as an interlayer in laminated glass. Rgreatly increase the To increase insulation, homeowners should transmittance and glare. In both cases, the UV transmission can be reduced to less than 1 energy efficiency of your home. choose a double- or triple-pane window. Storm windows are another option for efficient windows. Though they percent. However, it is important to note that the remaining visible But in some cases, replacing BetweenW each pane is an insulating air pocket, so more panes means don’t add more insulation, but they can help reduce the amount of air light that is transmitted can still cause fading in some materials. windows is not possible, either more insulation. These windows can be filled with gases such as argon flow through windows, which can help with heating and cooling costs. Using low-E coated glass or windows incorporating plastic layers because of the expense or or krypton to provide better insulation than air. The table below demonstrates the performance of common high- rather than clear uncoated glass will reduce fading. because you want to retain the In addition, insulated windows can include low-emissivity (low-E) performance windows compared to standard single-pane windows. historical integrity of your house. ANOTHER WINDOW PERK

In this case, you have two options: LORRI SIPES CREDIT: Smaller HVAC Equipment Wood Window Restoration. Typically, damage occurs to Glass Visible U-Factor Solar Heat High-performance windows can reduce utility bills, and they also wood windows when paint isn’t maintained and water enters reduce peak heating and cooling loads. The peak load for a building Thickness Transmittance (Winter) Gain the wood, and compromised weatherstripping can cause drafts. is the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at a given time. (Inches) (% Daylight) Coefficient Careful restoration can bring your vintage wood windows back This load is important, because it determines the size of the furnace, (see photo above). Depending on the state of neglect, steps may heat pump, air conditioner and/or ventilating fans that must be include: 1) stripping and sanding, 2) repairing any rot, 3) reglazing Single Pane 0.25 89 1.09 0.81 installed. Reducing the peak load may allow homeowners to install a (setting the glass), 4) replacing damaged sash cords, 5) painting smaller HVAC system, which costs less up front—and less to operate. and caulking, and 6) weatherstripping. Once repaired, the most Double Pane Insulated Glass 0.25 79 0.48 0.70 Properly sized HVAC systems offer a number of advantages to important thing you can do is maintain your wood windows by homeowners. First, by running more constantly, smaller equipment keeping them painted. Triple Pane Insulated Glass 0.125 74 0.36 0.67 provides the best air quality and comfort. Second, HVAC systems that are more closely matched to peak cooling loads achieve Low-E Storm Windows. You can enhance your existing windows’ performance by adding low-E storm windows on High Efficiency Low-E 0.25 70 0.29 0.37 better dehumidification, which prevents mold. Several calculating procedure can be found to help with proper sizing of HVAC either the interior or exterior. If your windows are standard equipment. That’s really the HVAC installer’s job, but if you want to sizes, you can find matching storms at your local Big Box Suspended Coated Film 0.125 55 0.25 0.35 do your own calculations, there’s a simple piece of software out there store. A study conducted by the Pacific Northwest National called the HVAC-Calc Residential 4.0, which costs $49 (available at Laboratory shows that low-E storm windows can result in Suspended Coated Film 0.125 53 0.19 0.27 www.hvaccomputer.com). You enter in some information about whole-house energy savings of 10 percent. And because they w/ Argon Gas Fill your home (or proposed new home), and it helps you figure out the cost significantly less than replacement windows, you’ll see the optimal size and type of equipment you need for best performance and payback in five to seven years. energy efficiency.GB CREDIT: WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE Tilt-and-Turn Advantages Glossary of Terms Energy-Efficient Window Frames Know the Lingo European-style tilt-and-turn windows for double and triple glazing that is often are gaining popularity in the U.S., in part thicker than in other window types. Efficient windows don’t stop at just the pane. It’s also important ■■ Visible Transmittance: The because of their performance in Passive Security. One handle moves the multi- to consider the type of window frame. percentage of light transmitted House projects. Tilt-and-turn windows point locking hardware into place, locking through the window. Composite Frames. These frames are made from composite wood products, such as are designed to swing in like a casement the window on all sides for higher security particle board. They resist moisture and decay better than conventional wood, and typically ■■ U-Factor: The rate of heat loss. window or tilt in at the top. The design and a tighter seal. (The lower the number, the higher offers several advantages: Customization. Walls facing the south have the same or better structural and thermal properties. Clear Advantages. ThermoPlus the heat loss resistance.) Cleaning and Egress. The windows swing and west can be fitted with a glass Vinyl Frames. These frames have a hollow cavity that can be filled with insulation to Windows from EuroLine Windows ■■ Solar Heat Gain Coefficient in, allowing for quick air exchange, easy Inc. are made in North America. The combination that captures heat from the increase their energy efficiency. To prevent sunlight from breaking down the material, they (SHGC): The amount of solar cleaning and optimal egress in case of triple-pane glass can be customized sun during winter, while providing a good usually are made from polyvinyl chloride with ultraviolet light stabilizers. depending on the window location. energy transmitted, measured emergencies. thermal performance. On the north and Wood Frames. Wood is a natural insulator, so these frames provider higher insulation on a scale of 0 to 1. (The lower Ventilation. The tilt-at-the-top function Energy Efficiency. The complete seal east, a glass combination designed to values. However, wood naturally expands and contracts in response to hot or cold weather the number, the less solar heat provides draft-free air exchange between on tilt-and-turn windows keeps air from minimize heat loss through the windows conditions, which may affect their performance. transmitted.) rooms. leaking through. Their design also allows can be installed. CREDIT: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

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Mini-Split Heat Pumps Air-Source Heat Pump

Virtues Heating & Cooling07 ■■ Can provide Flue Warm heating gases air to Critical to a home’s overall energy performance. and cooling house ■■ No need for a chimney or exhaust flue The energy savings and ■■ More fuel efficient Burner High-Efficiency Boiler than a fossil fuel increased comfort far outweigh furnace or boiler Caveats ■■ Not practical in Circulating the upfront cost of an energy- very cold climates Cold air fan ■■ Does not get air as return efficient HVAC system. Hot water hot as a furnace T THE HEART OF MOST HOME heating systems is a furnace, a boiler or a heat pump. A furnace burns fossil fuel to heat air that’s forced by a blower fan through a series of ducts to the living Flue HIGH-EFFICIENCY BOILER gases MITSUBISHI CREDIT: Hot Water Wiz spaces; a boiler heats water that’s then pumped to a Boiler hydronic, or water-based, distribution system. Most UCTLESS MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMPS, or MSHPs, are A boiler burns oil, natural gas or propane to heat water. That heated Aheat pumps run on electricity. They don’t create heat, but rather a good heating and cooling option for homes without water is then pumped through a system of pipes to radiators, extract it from the air or the ground. Heat pumps are available for duct systems. Mini-splits can supplement an existing baseboard heaters or a radiant floor. use with forced-air and hydronic distribution systems. If you want Cold wood stove or condition a new addition, and they are A good boiler will offer efficiencies of 90 to 95 percent and will water D to minimize your fuel bill, an Energy Star rating is a minimum also ideal for super-efficient new homes. Mini-splits have two include many of the same technologies as a high-efficiency furnace. standard for these appliances. main components: an outdoor compressor/condenser and an These include a modulating burner that matches the heat output indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power to whatever the thermostat is calling for at the moment, advanced GAS FURNACE cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing and a condensate heat exchangers to extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, Super Efficiency drain, links the outdoor and indoor units. MSHPs are quiet, and the ability to recover heat from the exhaust gas by condensing A modulating gas furnace is the most technologically advanced efficient and flexible, and because there are no ducts, they are it. The resulting exhaust is cool enough to be vented out of a plastic Burner fossil fuel-burning furnace you can get, with efficiencies as high easy to install. Here are a few points to consider if you are in pipe. In the best cases, this condensing process can squeeze 10 to 12 as 97 percent (that’s the percentage of the fuel’s potential energy the market for a mini-split: percent more usable energy out of the fuel. delivered as heat). It achieves this feat with a series of technical ■■ Choose the Right Mode. MSHPs work best when innovations. Gas is not as clean as we once believed, however, now allowed to modulate. Using them in “on/off” mode not only AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP that dirty methods of “fracking” are used in some extraction. The Virtues Caveats compromises their efficiency, but will likely result in wide tem- Reverse Motion ■■ Quiet operation—no air blowing ■■ Up to 50 percent more expensive pollution may simply be happening at the front end of the process. perature swings and discomfort. A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that works in reverse to ■■ Relatively easy to zone than a conventional boiler ■■ No fossil fuel gets an environmental free ride. It’s a finite resource, ■■ Know Yourself. Because MSHPs don’t rely on ducting provide heat. The heat pump captures and concentrates heat from ■■ Lack of fan means lower electric There are fewer high-efficiency not a renewable one. use than a forced-air system boilers to choose from than to distribute air, be aware that your habits may affect tempera- one area, then releases it to another. there are high-efficiency One way that new technology squeezes more heating power from ■■ Distribution system takes up tures in different rooms. For example, if you tend to leave your In heating mode, the heat pump takes heat from the outdoor air furnaces gas is with an exhaust heat exchanger. This exchanger steals back much less space than ductwork bedroom door closed all the time, it may be warmer or cooler and delivers it to the home’s distribution system. In cooling mode, heat from the furnace’s waste byproducts. Another feature, flame than the rest of the house. it reverses direction to work like an air conditioner, extracting heat modulation, adjusts the flame size, based on demand. These furnaces motors. The ability to vary airflow and flame intensity also allows ■■ Build Efficiently. The number of MSHPs required to from inside the house and blowing it outside. In cooling mode, this include variable-speed blower fans with high-efficiency electric for nearly constant room temperatures and better air circulation. heat your home depends on its square footage, but also on your waste heat can also be used for water heating. The most common home’s layout. A small, very efficient two-story house might type is the split system, which uses separate indoor and outdoor VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat be served by just one MSHP, but be aware that there may be units, but you can also get packaged systems that place everything Uponor Ecoflex Pre-insulated Pipe System Sensi Wi-Fi programmable thermostat is a smart temperature differences between the two floors, even if you in a self-contained outdoor unit. While air-source heat pumps can This versatile pipe provides proven, reliable thermostat from Emerson that helps lower use distribution fans. offer efficiencies of 200 to 300 percent, they’re most efficient in the energy use. It can be programmed with custom performance for underground distribution of ■■ Bigger May Be Better. Oversizing MSHPs—choosing southern part of the country. A backup electric or gas heater may hydronic heating, cooling and potable-water schedules for each day of the week, and users can systems. Ecoflex features flexible, durable adjust the temperature with a smartphone, using units rated for a larger house—is okay. Oversizing can even be needed when the outside air drops below a certain temperature. cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or high-density the free Sensi mobile app. Flexible programming be beneficial, since MSHPs modulate their capacity and reach Although different versions are made for forced-air and hydronic polyethylene (HDPE) carrier pipe surrounded and the ability to control the thermostat remotely ensure that heating and their highest efficiency when running at the lower end of their distribution, the forced-air type is the most common. Heat pumps by multiple layers of PEX-foam insulation, which is then covered by a cooling only occur when needed. The thermostat offers precise temperature watertight HDPE jacket. http://bit.ly/1OZy4aN control (it is accurate to within one degree Fahrenheit) and is one of the only capacity range. don’t get air as hot as a furnace or boiler, so may require more Wi-Fi thermostats to be Energy Aware certified. https://sensicomfort.com airflow to maintain the same temperature.

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IMAGE: UPONOR (WWW.UPONOR-USA.COM) GEOTHERMAL PHOTO BY JOEL SILVERMAN Earth Energy GE Aros Smart Window A geothermal heat pump (GHP) uses refrigerant-filled underground Air Conditioner Could Everything You Need to piping loops, installed horizontally or vertically, to exchange heat with the earth. These systems work well in both warm and cold climates. Be a Game Changer A good GHP is able to move three to five times more energy than it consumes. Models are available for use with forced-air or hydronic Typical window air conditioners, the kind you pick up at Wal- Know About Radiant Heat distribution systems. While the hydronic models don’t get water as hot Mart for $150, are about as “smart” as a toaster and far more Consider the four big benefits of radiant heat, and you’ll understand as a conventional boiler (122 °F, compared to 150 °F or more) their low polluting. They’re noisy, inefficient, include minimal controls temperature output is a perfect match for radiant floor heat. and, if you’re lucky, contain an on-board thermostat. why it is poised to grow as the heating system of choice in today’s Over time, we need to phase out this technology completely, DOMESTIC WATER HEATING in favor of more efficient ways of cooling, such as heat pumps, Multiple Options high-performance homes. mini-split systems, evaporative coolers and geothermal loops. In Most homes have reservoir-type water heaters, which use gas, propane the meantime, GE came up with a solution. ADIANT FLOOR HEATING—A concept that’s been or electricity to heat water that is stored in a 50- or 80-gallon tank until The Aros, co-designed by Quirky and GE, is the first AC unit to around since ancient Roman times—isn’t a tough sys- the water is needed. Other homes have tankless water heaters, which include Wi-Fi compatibility. That means you can program and tem to understand, install, operate or maintain. In fact, heat water on demand. Another option, condensing heaters, capture control it from your smartphone or laptop. Just as importantly, it’s one of those systems people hear about and think, the heat that would otherwise be lost in the exhaust gases and use it to the Wink app that controls it provides feedback on performance, “Wow. I’d like to have heated water circulating under- heat water via a heat exchanger. Recirculating pumps move water from neath my floor, warming everything it touches.” the source and back again, creating a continuous loop that results in no telling you which settings will operate it most efficiently, based on the weather. Chances are, Aros can save you big on energy bills. R water wasted. GB Here are the four key benefits of Just how much depends on your lifestyle. Simply setting the in-floor radiant heat systems: Glossary of Terms temperature schedule for your work week and sleeping periods Know the Lingo should save you 20 percent or more. If you’re a frequent traveler #1: COMFORT or rent out your home on Airbnb, your savings could be much higher, as the wireless app allows you to minimize cooling when “Comfort” is a key reason people consider installing a radiant heat ■■ Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): The percentage of a system in their house. With radiant, heat slowly rises from the floor fuel’s potential energy that a furnace or boiler converts to usable heat. the home isn’t in use. as opposed to blowing down at different temperatures with a forced- Government standards that take effect in 2015 require AFUE levels of 82 percent for gas boilers, 83 percent for oil boilers, 80 percent for gas air system. Radiant floor heating produces room temperatures at furnaces and 82 percent for oil furnaces. 75 °F at floor level, declining to 68 °F at eye level, and then to 61 °F ■■ Air Handler: In a forced-air heating or cooling system, the air handler at the ceiling. unit moves heated or cooled air through the home’s ductwork. According to the Radiant Panel Association, a radiant heat floor ■■ British Thermal Unit (BTU): The unit of measurement for heat, normally feels “neutral” with a surface temperature lower than whether it’s the heat given off by burning fuel or extracted from a home for cooling. Technically, one BTU is the energy required to raise normal body temperature, although the overall sensation is one of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

■■ comfort. UPONOR CREDIT: Combustion Chamber: The part of a furnace or boiler where the fuel is burned. # 2: EFFICIENCY # 4: COST ■■ Compressor: The part of the air conditioner or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant. The water in a hydronic radiant floor system has the capacity to Before looking at cost, consider durability: A radiant system lasts ■■ Condenser Coil: The part of an air conditioner or heat pump that transport energy 3,500 times greater than air, so it can heat (and two to three times longer than a typical furnace, primarily because it releases heat from the surrounding air in cooling mode and collects it

even cool) using less energy than a forced-air system. This amounts doesn’t have as many moving parts. The boiler system can last 20 to in heating mode. GE CREDIT: to greater comfort at a lower thermostat setting, which provides 30 years; the piping in the floor—radiant heat system manufacturer ■■ Distribution System: The network of air ducts or hot water pipes that To figure out your “payback” on the unit, a simple formula is: reduced energy use and lower energy bills. Uponor offers a durable crosslinked polyethylene (PEX)—will last delivers heat from a furnace, boiler or heat pump to the home’s rooms. ■■ Evaporator Coil: The part of an air conditioner or heat pump that 8,000 BTUs / SEER 10 = 800 W = .8 kWh In fact, more people are comfortable with radiant floor heating for the life of the home. exchanges heat with the air in the home. .8 kWh x $0.15 (average U.S. utility cost) = $0.12 per hour to set at a lower thermostat setting than with forced-air heating at The actual costs for installation and equipment vary greatly, de- ■■ Heat Exchanger: Located in the furnace or boiler, it transfers run your window air conditioner. a higher setting. In addition, a radiant heating system works in pending on the manufacturer, type of system, the size of area to be heat from the combustion chamber to the air or water in the heat zones, allowing different areas of a home to be at varying tem- heated, type of zoning and controls required, flooring type and labor distribution system. In a hot climate where the unit is run 24 hours a day for 125 days ■■ Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): The heating efficiency of summer, your window air conditioner will have an annual peratures. cost. There are other factors as well, such as whether you are ripping of a heat pump. It’s a ratio of the heat it generates over the heating out an existing floor or installing the system in a new concrete floor. season, in BTUs, to the watt-hours of electricity it consumes. Heat running cost of $360 per year. # 3: HEALTH While radiant is more expensive up front than a forced-air sys- pumps manufactured after 2006 have to have an HSPF of at least 7.7, Let’s say you now have a programmable AC and can save even A radiant floor heating system provides very high indoor air quality tem, by rolling it into your mortgage you can enjoy the benefits of but the best units have ratings as high as 10. a modest 20 percent over a comparable conventional unit. You ■■ because it does not use fans or blowers, which can circulate dirt, the system immediately; if you choose forced air, you pay less up Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): The cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. It’s the ratio of cooling output will pay off the “extra” cost of the wireless unit in about three dust and other allergens throughout a home. Plus, warm radiant front but will have higher utility bills, lower indoor air quality and to electricity used. The minimum SEER requirement for units years, because you’re saving $72 a year in energy costs. After floors can eliminate the need for carpeting, which is a breeding reduced comfort. manufactured beginning in 2006 is 13. that, you’ll save a flat 20 percent on your energy bills every year ground for dust mites, a very common cause of allergy-related To learn how radiant heat systems work, visit Uponor at www. ■■ Zoning: A method of partitioning a home’s hydronic or forced-air the unit remains in service. Not a bad deal. respiratory diseases. uponor-usa.com. distribution system into independently controlled comfort zones.

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Not only were the first residential LED products expensive, the quality of the light was disappointing. LEDs are directional light 3 Lighting Control Devices sources, which means they emit light in a specific direction, unlike Every Home Needs incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, which emit light and heat in all directions. For this reason, LED fixtures use light and It should come as no surprise that lights Lighting08 energy more efficiently in many applications; however, they are also can use a lot of energy, especially if they are prone to casting a harsh “spotlight,” rather than a diffuse, even light. left on when not in use. Energy-efficient Affordable LEDs are rapidly phasing out the competition. Another issue was light quality, which was much cooler than the bulbs are the most obvious solution to warm incandescent bulbs we grew up with. LED products include saving energy and money when it comes a Kelvin rating, which measures the light’s color temperature. In to lighting in the home. Lighting control Retrofitting your home with LEDs is general, lighting in the 2,700 to 3,000 K range is pleasing to most devices can help to reduce energy usage The Cost of Lighting, Bulb by Bulb people; the higher the number, the “whiter” the light. For comparison, and energy costs even further. These allow one of the simplest ways to reduce incandescent bulbs range between 2,700 and 2,800 K. homeowners to customize the amount of

LED choices have expanded rapidly, from can light and bulb ret- light used, and can ensure that lighting is LEVITON CREDIT: overall energy demand. rofits to dedicated LED fixtures that include internal drivers that only used when needed. Here are three solutions to consider: IGHTING MAKES UP about 11 percent of the typical home’s transform their higher voltage to household voltage. Although LED energy use. But as homes become more efficient and de- light quality issues have largely been solved, you still need to be selec- Universal Dimmers mand for space heating and cooling drops, the lighting tive. LED bulbs that have earned Energy Star certification are subject What They Do: Dimmer light switches (see above photo) can piece of the “pie” becomes more significant. The emergence to specific requirements designed to replicate the experience you are help to reduce energy usage by decreasing lighting levels, and of LED lighting has transformed the lighting industry over LED CFL Incandescent used to with a standard A-type bulb, so they can be used for a wide thus decreasing the amount of energy used to keep lights on. the past several years. The EPA estimates that widespread variety of applications. A general-purpose LED bulb that is not certi- Lifespan 50,000 Hours 10,000 Hours 1,000 Hours Where to Install: Universal dimmers are ideal lighting control use of LEDs could save 348 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2027—the fied may not distribute light in all directions and could prove to be a L devices for most areas within a home, giving you the ability to Watts 8-12 13-15 60 equivalent annual output of 44 large electrical plants. disappointment if used in a table lamp. control lighting levels for any task at hand. LEDs, or light emitting diodes, produce differently than old-fash- ioned incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs. LEDs utilize *Annual Energy Use 18.3 kWh 25.5 kWh 109.5 kWh CFLS Occupancy Sensors Not Without Issues a semi-conductor as the diode; when electricity passes through it, What They Do: Occupancy sensors ensure lights aren’t left the material lights up. The heat generated is captured in a heat sink. **Annual Energy Cost $2.19 $3.06 $13.14 Compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs, also produce light differently on when they’re not needed. They automatically turn the LEDs are much cooler than “conventional” bulbs; they are also much than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs lights on when motion is detected and turn the lights off more energy efficient and last much longer. Until recently, applica- through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. Energy Cost, 50,000 Hours $60.00 $84.00 $360.00 when the room has been vacated. tions were limited and LEDs were prohibitively expensive. That has With a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube contain- changed, as a quick tour of any big box store will show you. LED ing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates Where to Install: Occupancy sensors are perfect for entry Toxic Materials None Contains None ways in the home, such as near a door or garage door leading lamps (bulbs), can lights and fixtures have become cost competitive, Mercury invisible ultraviolet light, which excites the fluorescent phosphor making it easy to retrofit existing fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs. coating on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. to the house, a laundry room, utility closet or anywhere where At the same time, “smart” technology is changing how we think Cost per Bulb $10.00 $3.00 $1.00 CFLs need a little more energy when they are first turned on, but “hands-free” lighting control is desired. about lighting, and holds the potential for making already efficient once the electricity starts moving, CFLs use about 70 percent less Lighting Automation Solutions lights even more so. Here are some points to consider as you plan # of Bulbs Needed, 50,000 1 5 50 energy than incandescent bulbs. Older CFLs used large and heavy your next lighting purchases. hours magnetic ballasts that caused a buzzing noise in some bulbs. Most What They Do: For homeowners looking to take their lighting control to the next level, lighting automation devices *Assuming average of 10 W for LED, 14 W for CFL, and assuming bulb is on an CFLs today (and all Energy Star-certified CFLs) use electronic ballasts, LEDS average of five hours per day which do not buzz or hum. are the ideal solution. Devices with Z-Wave radio frequency Disruptive Technology **Assuming $0.12/kWh CFLs used to have cost and light quality advantages over LEDs, technology, such as Leviton’s line of Vizia RF + devices, offer For a long time, LEDs were unknown in residential lighting, but but both of those gaps are closing quickly. Without question, LEDs one-touch control of lights; they also allow you to set lighting were used in electronics and in the marine and aviation industries. Common LED colors include amber, red, green and blue. In order to are the lights of the future. “scenes” for certain times of day or events. More recently, LEDs have been used in traffic signals, vehicle lights “make” white light, different color LEDs are mixed or covered with a Where to Install: Lighting automation solutions are ideal and entertainment lighting, including “holiday” lights. Part of the phosphor material that converts the color of the light. The phosphor CONNECTED LIGHTING for living rooms, TV rooms or rooms with lots of windows. Maximizing Efficiencies problem was that there is actually no such thing as a “white” LED. is the yellow material you see on some LED products. Lighting levels can be adjusted according to time of day and Smart lighting can adjust itself to changing light conditions or oc- the availability of natural light. VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Eaton HALO Series LPM9 cupancy; it can also be programmed to turn on an off at certain Source: Leviton Possini Euro Eaton’s LPM9 is a line-voltage LED module with times. Some smart lights even “learn” occupant behavior and adjust Midtown 23 1/2-W shatter-resistant glass. It’s styled to look like an accordingly. Increasingly, connected lights are part of comprehen- A19 lamp and is dimmable to 5 percent with select Satin Nickel LED dimmers. The module is part of Eaton’s HALO line, sive energy management systems. In many cases, these lights can creating “scenes”—coordinated actions among various wireless Bath Light which is an ultra-low profile LED surface-mounting be synced to other features or devices—so long as they all speak devices—for specific events. Founded in 1976, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest lighting retailer. One of luminaire with the performance and appearance of the same wireless “language.” One example of this is the Caséta Wireless lighting saves the hassle of having to break through over 70,000 available designs, this contemporary bath light offers a satin a traditional downlight. HALO LED lighting products nickel finish and beautiful white glass. Built-in LEDs use only eight watts of reduce energy consumption and maintenance Wireless System, offered by Pennsylvania-based Lutron Electronics. drywall to wire new outlets and switches. If you’re converting to energy, yet have the light output of a 100-watt incandescent bulb. requirements compared to traditional incandescent Through their mobile app, you can control not only your home’s LED lamps or fixtures anyway, this might be a good time to add http://bit.ly/1Hc6jnC bulbs. http://bit.ly/2cGpfTd lighting, but also the position of shades and thermostat settings, wireless sensors and controls. GB

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What makes a Appliances09 DISHWASHER green? Technology you can trust. Full Loads A dishwasher works most efficiently when completely full. Newer models such as this one from Bosch include a third rack Proper sizing and use that allows you to wash more utensils and Don’t overlook dishes using the same energy. can make these labor-saving the familiar yellow EnergyGuide sticker. machines more It holds a host of information that can help energy efficient. you find the most efficient appliances available. Tough Interiors OME APPLIANCES SAVE time, make our homes more Better units have comfortable, and increase our quality of life. However, stainless steel there is more to choosing an appliance than simply interiors that will not selecting the finish, features and price. stain or catch food. Finding a washer, dryer or refrigerator that gets the Durable interiors Hjob done while using less energy and water has become much easier, greatly extend thanks to programs such as Energy Star and the EnergyGuide label. vegetables, for instance, require higher levels of humidity and a the lifespan of a These labels help you select an appliance that performs well, yet constant circulation of air to retain their freshness, color, flavor and dishwasher. conserves natural resources. vitamins. Meats, on the other hand, should be kept in drier, more air-tight compartments. While this technology can help you preserve REFRIGERATORS your food, it does come at a higher price. The Big Energy Hogs Of all the appliances in the home, the refrigerator can be the most What to Know wasteful of electricity. Unlike other appliances that you can turn ■■ If you have a refrigerator that’s more than 15 years old, replace it! off, the refrigerator is always on. Fortunately, modern refrigerators ■■ Energy Star–rated refrigerators can save you hundreds of dollars are more than 75 percent more energy efficient than ones built over the life of the appliance. just 15 years ago. ■■ Size matters: One big refrigerator in the kitchen is better than Upgrading your 1970s-era fridge to a modern Energy Star option two small ones (i.e., one in the kitchen, one in the garage). can save you over $200 annually in energy bills. Rebates from local utility companies, manufacturers, federal, state and local DISHWASHERS governments are often available. Visit www.dsireusa.org to see Quiet and Efficient what’s available in your area. Energy savings and water savings are closely linked; the more hot Besides saving energy, some manufacturers are producing water you use in your appliances, the higher your energy bills. refrigerators that simply do a better job of storing food. Smart Dishwashers produced before 1994 typically use 10 gallons per load PRO TIP: refrigerators are able to moderate the humidity of different bins more water than modern units. Considering that the average home Air Drying. Some green experts within the unit, which reduces food spoilage and waste. Fruit and washes over 300 loads per year, reducing the amount of water used advocate letting your dishes dry naturally as a way to save additional energy. Assuming your home can THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Flexible Cycles Smart dishwashers include handle the moisture, just open the Miele Generation 6000 Dishwashers Whirlpool Compact door and let your dishes cool and Miele’s line of Generation 6000 dishwashers combine Tall Tub Dishwasher several modes that can save even dry after washing. features that are not mutually exclusive concepts: low At 18” wide, this compact and sleek stainless more water, electricity—or both. For consumption, cleaning performance and gentle care steel dishwasher fits into tight spaces where example, this unit has a “Half Load” of dishware. The dishwashers offer several automatic programs that require other dishwashers cannot. Sound-reducing as little as 3.2 gallons of water for up to 16 place settings. Miele dishwashers setting that reduces water waste. insulation keeps this Energy Star-qualified achieve extremely low consumption rates through the combination of an unit quiet during operation. electronically controlled commercial-grade pump and alternating spray arms. In addition, the dishwashers achieve performance values of 0.73 kWh http://bit.ly/1NBrW5A for 16 place settings in the standard program, reducing consumption per Quiet Operation place setting to 0.045 kWh. www.mieleusa.com Excessive noise isn’t just irritating. It’s been shown to raise PHOTO: BOSCH stress levels in humans—adversely affecting health. Quieter 800 SERIES 48 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 www.greenbuildermedia.com machines make better living companions. DISHWASHER

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can quickly lower utility bills. Dishwashers that offer cycle selections cooktops, microwaves and range hoods can help reduce energy WASHERS AND DRYERS and energy-saving options can help reduce the amount of water What are Smart Appliances? use while improving the quality of life around your home. Advances in Conservation you use. Ranges. The kitchen range is a dual oven/cooktop, and is available The average American family does more than 400 loads of laundry To dissolve detergent and remove grease, dishwashers require in electric, natural gas and dual fuel. The benefit of a dual-fuel range a year, so even modest energy and water savings can greatly impact extremely hot water. Many dishwashers now come with a “booster” or ET READY FOR A whole new wave of intelligent is that it has the benefits of gas burners on the cooktop, but offers overall natural resource conservation. Reducing water while doing the internal heating element that raises the incoming water temperature appliances. These “smart” refrigerators, washers, the stable temperatures of oven cooking with electricity. Cooktops laundry has gotten easier in the past decade, thanks in large part to to the required 140 degrees. dryers and water heaters can track how much are also available using electrical induction, which creates a magnetic the advancement (and acceptance) of front-loading washing machines. This can allow you to lower the temperature on your water heater energy they are using; those that are smart grid field that heats pans directly, unlike traditional electric resistance While top-loading machines still have their place in the market, and still allow your dishwasher to operate at optimum levels. Some G coils, which use conduction to transfer heat. front-loading units use up to one-third less water, reduce the wear ready have the ability to shift usage to periods of lower electricity dishwashers offer the booster cycle, but only if you select “heavy demand, thereby easing pressure on the electrical grid. For Microwaves. Often an afterthought when finishing a kitchen, on clothes, and require less detergent. By using gravity to move the duty.” example, a smart washer can delay the start of a load to off-peak microwaves can create a more energy-efficient and comfortable clothes inside the drum instead of a spindle, front-loading washers Along with energy and water savings, noise is a factor in choosing times, or a refrigerator can turn its compressor off for a couple kitchen when used properly. Energy consumption can be reduced also conserve electricity while providing more effective spin cycles. a dishwasher. Measured in decibels (dB), the amount of sound of hours. by up to 80 percent when smaller portions are heated up in the Two terms to be familiar with when evaluating washing machines produced can vary dramatically by make and model. Some smart microwave instead of the oven. Also, using a microwave instead of are modified energy factor (MEF) and water factor (WF). The higher Normal conversation levels range around 60 dB, so choosing a features are the oven will reduce the amount of heat generated in the kitchen. the MEF, the more energy efficient the model. This rating takes into unit that is quieter than that is important. Because of advances in geared toward Range Hoods. These are important in the kitchen for several account not only the energy used during the course of cleaning the convenience; reasons. First, the ventilation removes unwanted moisture, which could clothes, but also the energy used to heat the water and run the dryer. for example, you lead to mold issues in the home. It also exhausts heat, smoke and cooking The WF rates the water efficiency of the unit based on its size. The Glossary of Terms can select cycles odors from the home. A quality hood also offers task lighting above the lower the WF, the more water efficient the washer. Know the Lingo and start or start range, which will increase safety around hot burners. Using the MEF and WF, along with an Energy Star label and the washer or dryer EnergyGuide label can help you determine which washer set will What to Know loads remotely, conserve resources yet still perform well. ■■ Modified Energy Factor (MEF): MEF is the download new ■■ Induction ranges are more energy efficient than traditional official energy efficiency metric used to compare relative What to Know efficiencies of different clothes washers. MEF considers cycles or even ranges, but can only be used with ferrous (steel or iron) cookware. the energy used to run the washer, heat the water and troubleshoot ■■ Flat cooktops are not necessarily induction ranges. ■■ Dryers with moisture sensors can greatly reduce energy use. run the dryer. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the problems with LG IMAGE ELECCTRONICS CREDIT: ■■ Most flat-surfaced cooktops simply use electric resistance heaters ■■ Most HE (high efficiency) washers use special low-sudsing clothes washer. technicians. LG Electronics offers a smart refrigerator that will under a ceramic cover. detergent.

■■ ■■ ■■ Water Factor (WF): WF is a measurement of water efficiency send you a photo of its contents to your smartphone, if you’re There is no Energy Star label for residential ovens, ranges or Energy Star specifications for clothes dryers took effect on that is calculated as gallons of water used per cubic foot of having trouble remembering what you need to buy at the microwave ovens at this time. January 1st of this year. GB capacity. The lower the number the more water efficient the grocery store. Smart ovens can download and store recipes clothes washer. (with photos), and smart dishwashers will make suggestions on

■■ High Efficiency (HE): HE is used to describe clothes washers the most efficient cycle for the particular load. that typically use 50 percent less water than traditional units. Though many of the major manufacturers, including Whirlpool, Save Big with Condensation Clothes Dryers Special low-sudsing detergent is used with these models. GE, Bosch and LG Electronics, are starting to offer smart ■■ EnergyGuide Label: This yellow label created by the U.S. appliances, expect a greater range of offerings over the next few LOTHES DRYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE for Federal Trade Commission is on most home appliances, and years. The expansion of choices should start driving the price of How do condensation dryers work? will help you compare the energy use (and cost) of operating 6 percent of a home’s total energy usage, intelligence down. one appliance relative to another. according to the Consumer Energy Center. 1. Ambient (cool) air enters the dryer. ■■ Induction Cooking: Induction heating elements heat This is partly because they use temperature- 2. Ambient air enters only the pan and its contents, and offer energy efficiency insulation and sound proofing, some dishwashers can be “whisper controlled air from inside a home, and then by reducing wasted heat when compared to radiant pumpC it out. In the winter, a home furnace must make up heat exchanger quiet,” creating as little as 41 dB during operation. That is the just and gas cooktops. The actual induction element stays slightly louder than the hum of your refrigerator. for the warm air lost. In the summer, air cooled by an air and is heated. cool, while the metal pot or pan up rapidly making induction conditioner is used and re-heated in the dryer. 3. Ambient air heating safer and more energy efficient than traditional What to Know On the other hand, condensation clothes dryers work on a loop (warm and dry) exits cooking methods. heat exchanger. ■■ Dishwashers have two EnergyGuide cost labels: one for consumers system. Air is drawn into the loop, goes through the dryer system ■■ Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE): CEE, a consortium who use electric water heaters and one for natural gas users. and then is reused,instead of being pumped outside. 4. Process (heated) of efficiency program administrators from across the United ■■ Boost heaters generally increase the cost of the unit, but the Though these units still carry a higher price tag, they do result in air enters drum to States and Canada, periodically compiles lists of products energy savings can pay for the upgrade in about one year. significant energy and cost savings. Reviewed.com estimated LG’s absorb moisture BOSCH CREDIT: that meet the organization’s tiers of efficiency, based on ■■ Dishwashers fall into two categories—compact and standard. and dry load. manufacturer data. www.cee1.org model, Whirlpool Duet WED99HEDW, can save homeowners 50 percent on the cost of drying clothes. Bosch makes a 5. Process air (wet) enters heat exchangers, ■■ Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC): HCFC-based refrigerants RANGES AND OVENS few condensation clothes dryers, such as the 24” Compact is cooled releasing moisture. are the most common type of refrigerant Smart Cooking Saves Energy 6. Process air (dry) exits heat exchanger. used in the United States today and are considered significant Condensation Dryer 800 Series. That unit consumes 311 kW per 7. Process air enters heater and is heated up. contributors to greenhouse gas emissions Refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry units may be considered year, far less than the nearly 1,000 kW per year used by traditional and global warming. “major” appliances, but they aren’t the only units you may have clothes dryers, according to the Department of Energy. Drain. Water is collected and pumped into the drain. to purchase or replace. Thoughtful selection of ranges, ovens,

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MGS Spin D Faucet Glossary of Terms The sleek and durable Spin D faucet features a narrow handle and dual-spray faucet with Know the Lingo extendable pull-out spout. A stainless steel slide button allows the user to switch from aerated stream to shower stream. Every MGS faucet is ■■ Low-Flow Toilet: Also known as a low-consumption toilets, comprised of thick, commercial-grade solid these fixtures typically using a maximum of 1.6 gallons per Faucets & Fixtures10 stainless steel, including stainless steel braided flush. hoses, nuts and screws. Technology plus behavior change saves water. www.mgstaps.com/kitchen ■■ Ultra-Low Flush: Another term to describe low-flow fixtures, this may also refer to a single- or dual-flush model that uses as little as .8 gpf.

FAUCET FINISHES ■■ Aerator: Small screened device that fits inside a faucet nozzle, Faucets and fixtures are more New Durability mixing air into water so less is required to do the same chore.

Durable Faucet Features Ever heard of physical vapor deposition finish? It’s just one of ■■ Widespread Lavatory Faucet: Refers to the style of faucet, miserly than ever before, the high-tech finishes being used on faucets. With these advanced typically one with two separate handles, 8” apart.

surface treatments, alternatives to chrome (one of the longest lasting ■■ Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): High-tech finishing but your behavior plays an Faucet Body and Finish finishes) make more sense. In some cases, metals such as bronze technique that allows for faucets with many different looks, Solid stainless steel is durable, and brushed nickel are simply protected with a polymer coating. including “metal on metal” surfaces that are extremely important role, too. hygienic and resists chipping In others—Delta’s “Brilliance” finish comes to mind—the coating corrosion and wear resistant. and scratching. Physical Vapor emulates a metal such as brass. ■■ PEX Tubing: Crosslinked polyethylene plastic pipe. HE FAUCET AND fixture industry has consistently Deposition (PVD) finishes, which are The green angle? Durability. When faucets corrode, people throw Increasingly popular as a replacement for PVC or delivered the eco-friendly goods. Their products molecularly bonded to the surface, them away, whether or not the mechanics still perform properly. copper plumbing.

get more efficient and more durable almost every are durable. Tossing functional hardware in the landfill is not a green choice. ■■ Cartridge Faucet: Most modern faucets contain ceramic year, yet remain remarkably affordable. Every year, Inside the Faucet cartridges that allow water to flow, whereas older faucets bath, kitchen and laundry gadgets help us reduce Stainless steel components will last PLUMBING used compression—squeezing a rubber o-ring that would water usage by about 5 percent. But as a nation, much longer than plastic. Ceramic Think Flexible eventually wear out. Twe’re still slipping—using about the same volume of fresh water disc cartridges are far superior to Flexible PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) plumbing has become widely every year. Why? Because the U.S. population grows at about 5 compressed rubber seals and are accepted as a substitute for other standards of household plumbing. percent per year. standard on most faucets. The problem, says author and water expert Robert Glennon, is Spray Hoses that the total amount of fresh water available is getting smaller. If your faucet has an extender, make Daily Residential Indoor Water Use (Before Conservation Measures) Some sources have become polluted. Groundwater that takes sure the hose is made from braided decades to replenish is being drained like there’s no tomorrow. stainless steel rather than plastic. Other Dry times lie ahead, unless we all change our habits along with IMAGE: MGS SPIN D FAUCET 5.3% our fixtures. It’s time to treat fresh water like blue gold. If all U.S. households installed water- It’s important to make sure all the faucets, fixtures and showerheads Leaks saving features, water use would in your home are on their best behavior. That means installing the leaks within a year or two of installation, possibly because other parts 13.7% Toilet decrease by 30 percent. This would save most durable, water-stingy, appropriately priced models available. If of the assembly are not as tough. Fortunately, many faucets—even 26.7% you’re not sure how to recognize these parameters, here’s a quick low-cost ones—now come with limited lifetime warranties that cover an estimated 5.4 billion gallons of water overview. all part failures for the original owner. Still, who wants to chase down per day, resulting in daily dollar-volume warranties? The easiest solution: Spend a little more up front for a savings of $11.3 million, or more than $4 FAUCET FUNCTION brand that cares about its reputation, and chances are you’ll get a billion per year. Better Technology better made, more durable product. The largest daily user of water in the In modern faucets, ceramic washers have largely replaced rubber home is the toilet. By replacing this one ones. These diamond-hard discs should last forever. But in our product with a high-efficiency toilet experience, that’s not always the case. We’ve seen less expensive The Stealth Toilet (HET) you can greatly reduce a home’s faucets and shower handles, even ones with ceramic discs, develop The Stealth toilet from Niagara Conservation total water use. uses less than one gallon (0.8 gallons) of water per flush compared to the average toilet, which The next step would be to install a uses 3.5 to 5 gallons per flush. The technology bidet, which would cut overall residential VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT Clothes behind the Stealth system combines five water Shower KOHLER Leaf Vessel Sink Washer water use by hundreds of gallons a day conservation products that deliver maximum 16.8% This elegant above-counter bathroom sink 21.7% performance and provide maximum water and (what it takes to make toilet paper). features pleasing natural curves that suggest energy savings—40,000 gallons of water per a fallen leaf. Made from durable fireclay year per bathroom. The toilet can be installed in material, the sink comes in three subtle color homes and in building types with plumbing that choices: white, biscuit and almond. requires a residential-style toilet. SOURCE: AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION, http://bit.ly/1ReKxVY Faucet www.niagaracorp.com “RESIDENTIAL END USES OF WATER” 15.7%

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Fittings have improved, problems are rare, and most plumbers have come to embrace the technology. From a green perspective, tubing made from high-grade plastic is Waterproof Tile Installation a welcome alternative to vinyl-based PVC pipe. And from a practical Standard grout is not waterproof! It must be perspective, PEX is ideal for tricky retrofit jobs, because the flexible coated every two years or so to keep water—and What makes a mold growth—out of walls. Behind the walls and tubing can snake around obstacles, so you can avoid unnecessary floors, a waterproofing system such as the one demolition. Moisture Removal shown below from Schluter (www.schluter.com) Trapped moisture is can add many years of leak-proof performance to the major cause of SUPER TOILETS a shower and/or floor. BATHROOM Water Misers mold and mildew The toilet efficiency race has been a big win for the environment. in bathrooms. KEEP MOLD AT BAY. We’ve seen models with water usage of less than .8 gpf in dual-flush Installing a quiet ventilating fan (not models, and a 1-gpf single-flush model. Flush technology is probably shown) is essential. approaching its bottom limit. green? New models have But other approaches may squeeze water savings. For example, moisture sensors graywater-fed toilet tanks are now on the market (ones that use that turn the fan on lavatory water to fill the toilet tank), along with hand-washing faucets automatically. built right into the top of the tank. Manufacturers will continue to tweak toilet efficiency, no doubt, but the biggest gains could probably be made by simply adjusting our behavior: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” GB

The Benefits of Bidets Water-Saving Faucets Well-designed faucets contain ceramic washers that outlast the rubber washers of past decades. Bidet toilets work by using water, rather than toilet paper, to clean the nether They’re not as likely to develop leaks and they regions. Bidets save more water indirectly by eliminating the need for toilet paper, the manufacture of which is a water-intensive process. But is a bidet really restrict water flow, without feeling stingy. High- a better choice than, say, a water-efficient dual-flush toilet? tech finishes prevent corrosion. Annual toilet paper use in the U.S. tops out at 36.5 billion rolls. This equals 473,587,500,000 gallons of water and 15 million trees—and that doesn’t account for the additional water required to treat and dispose of toilet paper waste. As the chart shows, a bidet attachment in combination with an efficient toilet saves about 200 gallons of water annually, compared to a dual-flush toilet. Other advantages? Water cleans better and is less abrasive than toilet paper, and bidets keep hands free—and clean. If you’re ready for a hands-free toilet, you don’t have to purchase a new one; Leak Detection instead, you can opt for a bidet seat attachment. Depending on the model Wireless sensors you choose, the money saved by crossing toilet paper off the grocery list will such as Wally detect potentially pay for the bidet seat in a matter of months. Avoid Toxic Cleaners Keeping highly toxic the presence of water or increased Annual Water Use in Gallons (Per Person) cleaners such as bleach and clog removers under humidity and will your sink is a good way send you an alert- Water required to Water used by toilet to pollute your bathroom -even if you are far manufacture toilet paper air. Purchase non-toxic away from home. Place these sensors 1.6-gpf Toilet cleaners instead, and make your bathroom a under sinks and 0.8-gpf Dual- other vulnerable Flush Toilet friendly place for kids and PRO TIP: locations. Bidet with 1.6- pets—as well as adults. Epoxy Grout. One way to gpf Toilet reduce the maintenance

0 600 1,200 1,800 2,400 3,000 3,600 4,200 requirements for grout in Gallons of Water a custom shower or bath Low-Flow Toilets floor is to apply epoxy The best new low-flow toilets, such Water Savings? For this analysis, we assumed bidet users would still grout. Much more resistant to mold and mildew require 20 percent of the toilet paper used by “conventional” toilet users, and as the Archer toilet from KOHLER than standard grout, it costs more and requires more would require 0.125 gallons of water per use, in addition to the water pictured here, use as little as 1.28 required for flushing. gallons per flush. Some dual-flush skill to apply, but has major durability advantages. ® IMAGE: VISION HOUSE TUSCON toilets require even less. A LATICRETE product is shown. (LATHAMARCHITECTURAL.COM) 54 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016

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What makes FINISHES green? Finishes11 Clean-Air Paints Caulking Considerations Balance durability with low toxicity. Use only no-VOC or extremely Certain types of caulking can contribute to indoor low-VOC paints in the home. air pollution. But in our view, caulking quality matters Bear in mind, however, that too. If you use a 100% silicone product, it will offgass low-VOC products can still quickly. Once it dries, you’re in the clear. Make sourcing paints and Glossary of Terms contain toxins. Sometimes, VOCs are replaced with adhesives with no VOCs top Know the Lingo something worse. If you want truly toxin-free you’ll have to go with something such as a priority, but don’t forget about ■■ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Toxic ingredients common in paints, adhesives and many household items that milk-based or organic paint. proper application and are released into the air. ■■ Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs): These substances were listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Here’s the EPA maintenance of these products. list: http://bit.ly/2dZPjdP

AINTS AND ADHESIVES in the United States have ■■ Alkyd: Commonly referred to as “oil based,” this type of coating is typically higher in VOCs than waterborne paint, come a long away. They no longer contain lead or other containing a petroleum-based solvent and a binder of heavy metals. Most contain only a fraction of the volatile synthetic resin. organic compounds (VOCs) they did 10 years ago. Oil- ■■ Acrylic Latex: This widely used finish uses water as a solvent, based (alkyd) paints have largely been replaced by and tends to be lower in VOC content than alkyd products, water-based latex products. But the conversion hasn’t although it may offgas more slowly. always been smooth, and it’s far too early to declare “mission P ■■ Breathe: How well a paint allows water vapor to pass through accomplished.” it without blistering or failing. Some of the first brands of ultra low-VOC products got a bad rap a Formaldehyde-Free Millwork few years ago. These new paints were not as stable, harder to apply ■■ Back Priming: Coating the back or hidden face of siding or It’s more challenging than you might think to trim prior to installation as an added measure of protection and almost impossible to find. They set back the transition to “green” find cabinetry and shelves that are not loaded from moisture. paint, especially among contractors. with chemicals and other ingredients harmful ■■ to human health. Ask for CARB-approved But those quality problems have been solved. Most of the latest Colorants: These add color to paints, and are a potential source of added VOCs in paint products. plywood or real-wood shelves and sides. If the generation of low-impact paints and adhesives perform almost as only products available are medium-density well as their solvent counterparts. But beware of exaggerated green fiberboard, make sure you choose a brand claims. Some companies like to hint that their paint brands are VOCS that has very low formaldehye content. Seal eco-friendly, when they’re really just doing the bare minimum— They’re Not the Only Villains unfinished sides with AFM Safecoat Hard Seal or meeting regulatory standards. The same consumer caution should Just because a paint is low in volatile organic compounds doesn’t some similar product to contain the offgassing. apply to adhesives. Remind yourself that the color of a product’s mean it’s safe to apply it in your home without wearing property Floor Finishes container or labeling may have nothing to do with what’s inside. safety gear—or that it won’t release other dangerous pollutants. Whenever possible, order pre-finished floors, whether hardwood On the other hand, several manufacturers have developed zero-VOC VOCs are just one category of paint ingredient. Even if a paint or bamboo. Finishing them at home without creating a lot of colorants—a common source of added VOCs in paint—and can contains no VOCs at all, it may contain hazardous airborne air pollution is tough. The Lauzon Pure Genius flooring pictured claim that their products are truly “zero VOC.” pollutants (HAPs). These take the form of both gases and tiny here uses a titanium finish that reacts with sunlight to break down As you consider low-VOC, no-VOC and other emissions claims, particles that have been shown to cause respiratory trouble, VOCs and other chemicals. here are some points to consider. especially for people with asthma. Household cleaners and bath PRO TIP: Tile Is Always an Option. Floor tiles, installed carefully ® Sherwin-Williams Harmony VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS PRODUCT produce almost no harmful offgassing. Some brands, Interior Acrylic Paint BEHR Premium Plus Interior Paint Lauzon Pure Genius Flooring Forget smartphones, Lauzon’s Pure Genius such as Crossville’s Virtue line, contain 4 percent GREENGUARD Gold-certified Harmony is Behr Premium Plus interior paint is flooring is a smart floor, cleaning the air in your a zero-VOC formula tinted with ColorCast GREENGUARD Gold certified, and offers recycled content and are Green Square certified. The home by breaking down airborne toxins, such Ecotoner colorants, which do not add VOCs. homeowners more than 4,000 color choices in porcelain tile also can be treated with Hydrotect, a fired- as VOCs. The filtering power of Pure Genius The paint also includes technology that semi-gloss, flat, eggshell and base finishes. The flooring is the equivalent of having three mature on coating developed with TOTO Corporation, that’s can potentially reduce odors and harmful zero-VOC formula is a low-odor trees in your home, purifying the air up to 85 VOCs such as formaldehyde from carpets, and self-priming product. comprised of a triple silver-copper-titanium dioxide percent and reducing potential carcinogens furniture and finishes. www.behr.com/consumer/home mixture. The coating has antimicrobial, dust-repelling, http://bit.ly/1NBslVC that may lead to allergies and asthma. www.lauzonflooring.com self-cleaning and even air-purifying effects.

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products often contain both VOCs and HAPs as well, so you can’t Exterior Paint: Making It Last blame paint for all your indoor air quality issues, but when selecting a finish or an adhesive or caulk, make sure the manufacturer gives Standards for a full account of all potential pollutants, not just VOCs. Low-Emitting Materials FACTORY FINISH

NFORTUNATELY, PAINTING YOUR A Green Idea home is not a green activity. Why? Cover Up Quickly For certain painting and finishing projects, doing the job at home may Green Seal VOC Because products such as acrylic Just a few days of exposure to UV rays not be the best option, if you want to limit the volume of pollutants latex have a very high embodied can seriously damage the ability of wood Content Standards: U released inside. For cabinets, shelves and flooring, you often have the energy—producing them takes a toll on the to hold paint. Get a coat of primer on as environment. It’s key, therefore, to maximize soon as possible, preferably a product option of a “baked-on” factory finish. This may require an extra day Paints and Finishes paint durability. You might think that switching with UV inhibitors. or two for delivery, but it’s well worth the time and cost for people to vinyl siding is a more “permanent” solution, Low-Emitting Materials: sensitive to paint fumes. At the factory, high heat speeds the paint or but vinyl products come with a different set of Paints and Finishes Requirements environmental drawbacks. There’s no perfect stain’s release of VOCs and other toxins. That accelerated pollution fix. You can, however, take several steps to happens in a controlled environment, not inside your home. The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted make sure paint lasts as long as possible concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and on your new siding. Old siding is a bigger challenge, but in general, the same rules apply. ADHESIVES other chemicals; GREENGUARD Gold certification also sets Use Durable The Fine Print emission limits for specific VOCs. Fasteners It’s easy now to find Like paints, adhesives are now marketed as low-VOC and eco- Flat finishes 50g/L exterior fasteners friendly. But as with paint, it’s important to get all of the facts— Non-flat finishes 150 g/L that will not rust and not simply to accept the branding pitch. For example, Gorilla stain wood. Spend a brand recently released Gorilla PVC, an adhesive for use in PVC For anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints Order Pre-Primed Wood little extra for the best fasteners you can find. applied to interior ferrous metal substrates, or Fiber Cement plumbing—a product it markets as “eco-friendly.” But if you read the You may add years to fine print, the glue contains contains N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), the limit is somewhat higher 250 g/L Boards that are pre-primed in a factory tend to the viability of each hold their paint longer than siding that’s painted “a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects paint job. For clear wood finishes, floor finishes, stains, sealers and shellacs in place. This is true for several reasons. First, if or other reproductive harm.” handled properly, factory-painted wood tends applied to interior elements, the VOC content limit is as follows: to be coated only when the wood reaches an

optimal level of moisture saturation, typically about CAULKING Clear wood finishes 350 g/L for varnish 15 percent. Also, the primer is usually applied to the Seal the Deal 550 g/L for lacquer front side, back side and ends of each board. Note that it’s key to recoat primed ends after cutting. No Freezes, For the most part, latex-based caulkings tend to release less toxins Floor finishes 100 g/L Please during application and initial drying than their solvent-based

Water-based paints counterparts. Sealers 250 g/L for waterproofing sealers that have been But the verdict is still out about how latex products impact air 275 g/L for sanding sealers stored too long may quality over the long term. It’s important, however, with both paints 200 g/L for all other sealers Play Rough lose their chemical consistency. Worse, and caulkings, never to use exterior products indoors. They tend to Research has shown that boards with a Shellac 730 g/L for clear if they’re allowed contain more volatiles. slightly rough texture tend to hold paint to freeze, their 550 g/L for pigmented much better than smooth sanded surfaces. performance may There’s also the question of durability. While 100 percent silicone

If ordering cedar, pine or other natural suffer. Don’t risk caulk produces strong initial offgassing (some of which is from Stains 250 g/L finishes, ask about different texture options. painting with a vinegar in the mix) it’s also likely to perform better than an acrylic- compromised can of paint. The amount of latex based product, particularly in wet areas. labor versus the price As you can see, choosing a green paint or adhesive is not always as GREENGUARD Total VOCs of new paint makes easy as reading a label. You have to shop carefully, understand how that a bad deal. and when this product should be applied, and weigh whether the Emission Thresholds: product’s air quality benefits are as good as they sound.GB Building Products and Interior Finishes Choose Cool Colors The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Paints exposed to regular cycles of extreme heat undergo more stress, Seal End Grain concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and shortening their useful lifespan. One simple solution is to specify lighter Often, siding and trim boards weather and Mohawk Bertolino Porcelain Floor other chemicals; the GREENGUARD Gold certification standard colors on wood exteriors, especially in hot climates on the sides of the crack on the ends—for a simple reason: Tile & Ceramic Wall Tile home that get several hours of sun each day. They were not coated properly when the Mohawk’s Reveal imaging technology helps also sets limits for specific VOCs. rest of the home was primed and painted. create authentic definition, detailing and veining GREENGUARD 500 µg/m3 If possible, coat them with a good sealer of natural marble in this porcelain tile collection. before installation. Bertolino comes in several large-format sizes, GREENGUARD Gold 220 µg/m3 including 12” x 12”, 12” x 24” and 18” x 18”. www.mohawkflooring.com/flooring/tile SOURCES: WWW.LEEDUSER.COM AND INDUSTRIES.UL.COM

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Cabinets & Tops12 What makes CABINETS Choose products that won’t pollute your indoor air. and TOPS green?

From the incorporation of Glossary of Terms recycled materials to the use Know the Lingo

■■ Particleboard: Wood chips bonded together with of non-toxic finishes, many resins that frequently contain air pollutants such as Solid Wood Construction formaldehyde. Finding kitchen cabinets and shelves that are made with zero makers of cabinets and ■■ Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): An engineered wood often used in cabinet door construction. MDF may also formaldehyde or other offgassing countertops are finally offering contain volatile air pollutants. substances can be challenging. Most of the MDF used for shelves ■■ Veneer: Thin layer of wood typically glued to a less and doors (commonly known as valuable substrate. Both the adhesive and the truly green options. particleboard) used in cabinets substrate can contribute to indoor air pollution, Durable Countertops tends to offgas for months—or ACK IN THE MID-1990S, it was almost impossible depending on the glues used. Nonporous solid even years. One workaround is to to find off-the-shelf cabinetry that didn’t contain surface material, ■■ Substrate: A panel that’s used underneath higher have a local woodworker make such as the Wilsonart particleboard saturated with formaldehyde, with value finish materials. In cabinetry, substrates typically them. The Neil Kelly cabinets Gibraltar countertops the exception of one or two semi-custom high- are made of plywood, particleboard or other engineered pictured here are free of added pictured here, are end or European manufacturers. It’s easier now, wood products. formaldehyde. naturally resistant to but primarily because of the efforts of small- ■■ Surface Seal Paint: Some finishes, such as AFM Safecoat heat, stains and mold. scale cabinet shops. The U.S. cabinet industry Hard Seal, have a low enough permeability that they Many varieties of at large, like the carpet industry, has been a follower—not can be used to prevent or slow the release of air pollutants B durable, partly recycled from particleboard and other resin-bonded materials. a leader—in the arena of environmental responsibility and countertops such as pollution control. PaperStone are also In 2006, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association now available. Other (KCMA) launched an in-house sustainability benchmark called seal have at least taken some steps to clean up their practices options include quartz- the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). The program and products. based products such as has some flaws, but at least it’s a move toward the light. ESP offers manufacturers 105 possible points. They have to get 80 Vetrazzo or Cambria. Many firms have used ESP guidelines as a baseline for ho w to to qualify for certification. It should be noted that they self-certify improve sustainability. Keep in mind that not every green cabinet by sending in documentation (often from other industry-friendly line will be KCMA certified, any more than every eco-friendly organizations such as the Composite Panel Association) to prove builder’s work is LEED certified. But those that do get the ESP that they have met certain criteria.

VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Curava Recycled Glass Surfaces Caesarstone Dreamy Marfil Made with natural quartz aggregates, Caesarstone PRO TIP: countertops and quartz Remember the Range Hood. surfaces meet the standards If you go to all this trouble to keep Safe Finish of both GREENGUARD the air clean in your kitchen, then fail Try to use water-based final and Declare. The material to install an vent fan on your range, coatings for your cabinet is non-porous, scratch Curava products are made from 100 percent recycled glass fragments and floors. Spend extra to resistant and highly resistant within a resin binder. They are stain resistant with no waxes or sealers, you will be disappointed in the overall to stains. Dreamy Marfil is contain no heavy chemicals, are nonporous and easy to clean, and are air quality in your home. buy the most durable finish one of many choices in the heat and scratch resistant. Curava surfaces are manufactured during you can find. Every time you Classico collection. daytime hours while using no artificial lighting in the factory, and the have to re-coat surfaces, you www.caesarstoneus.com process results in no water waste. www.curava.com introduce toxins back into PHOTO: AARON ZILTENER / NEIL KELLY your living space—and extract PORTLAND, OREGON KITCHEN more resources from the DESIGNED BY THERESE DUBRAVAC 60 GREEN BUILDER The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 www.greenbuildermedia.com natural world. WWW.NEILKELLY.COM

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A cabinet company looking for the ESP label must achieve a agency in the previous 12 months.” Again, they can rack up points What Makes a Cabinet Green? minimum number of points in each of the following categories: simply for staying on the right side of regulations. Our point is not to bash the KCMA, but to urge its many members to think much Air Quality 30 bigger about what it means to be green. We often write about ESP- Product Resource Management 30 INSPIRATION FOR THIS IMAGE: CRYSTALCABINETS.COM certified cabinet brands that are being used in our demonstration KCMA Certification Process Resource Management 20 The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association has its own green certification homes and other projects. We know these companies, and they’ve program called the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). As with any Environmental Stewardship 15 Engineered Wood Veneer industry self assessment, ESP certification should be used as a baseline to indicated that they want to get real about sustainability. We believe As a surfacing option, thin wood veneer is identify green-minded companies, not a guarantee that a particular Community Relations 10 considered green because it can be made from brand will meet all of your sustainability expectations. Keep in they’re sincere, and we expect exciting new cabinet products soon. younger growth trees or with leftover scraps mind that many companies that make sustainable Some points are sound—such as the five points awarded under Homeowners and builders have been frustrated too long by the from furniture factories. cabinetry and shelving do not pursue KCMA certification. ESP for “reviewing the environmental practices and policies of lack of readily available green cabinetry and shelving. It’s time to give its key vendors and contractors,” although reviewing it should be them more options. For people with asthma, chemical sensitivity or noted, does not guarantee any changes. Unfortunately, other point infants in the house, the only alternative in the past has been to take criteria act as loopholes that weaken the program. For example, a matters into their own hands, to have their cabinets custom built and company can earn 10 points in Air Quality if “75 percent of finished finished with low-VOC paints, or to seal in VOCs and formaldehyde products are finished domestically, and finishes used emit no with surface sealing paints. They shouldn’t have to work so hard. greater HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) than allowed by local plant A few brands are pointing the way by offering low-VOC water- operating permits.” We’d call that simply playing by the rules. They borne finishes and safer adhesives, along with straw core shelves also can earn five Community Relations points for not getting any and wood for both door faces and veneers that is certified by the Low-Impact Paint citations “from any federal, state or local environmental regulatory Forest Stewardship Council. Change is coming. GB or Stain Certified Wood To limit VOCs from paints or stains, you have two Doors options: If you’re set on a The lumber used in doors hard, glossy enamel finish, and other parts of the the best bet is to have it cabinet box should come baked on at the factory, from companies certified Countertops: What’s the Difference? where it can fully offgass. by FSC, SFI or another For cabinets finished credible certifying onsite, low- or no-VOC, organization. water-based stains or paints should be specified. Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Material Price Overall score Test per sq.ft. results

Clean Core Materials The formaldehyde-bonded particleboard and Moisture-Proof Feet plywood often used for shelving is bad for indoor By putting metal or polymer feet on a cabinet, you keep it out air quality. New products include agrifiber panels Stains Heat Abrasion Impact of harm’s way—more specifically, if a leak develops, moisture (typically straw based), that use low-VOC binders wont have a chance to saturate the bottom panel, inviting to replace formaldehyde glues. Quartz (engineered stone) $- 79 mold or mildew and shortening the life of the unit. Granite -  78 Laminate -  78 Solid surfacing - 62 The Importance of Certified Wood Tile (ceramic and porcelain) 10-30 58 Concrete (topical sealer) 80-120 53 Wood is a renewable resource, but in many places it has been As of this year, 250 million acres in the Stainless steel 100-150 52 harvested faster than it can regenerate, with little concern for U.S. and Canada are certified to the SFI Concrete (penetrating sealer) 80-120 38 the natural ecosystems or human communities impacted standard. The SFI manages standards Limestone 60-100 36 by the logging. However, you’ve probably heard of “certified for Forest Management, Fiber Sourcing Marble 50-140 26 wood.” This refers to lumber or products that contain wood and Chain-of-Custody certification;

fiber from sustainably managed forests. Globally, the area these standards were updated this year. SOURCE: CONSUMER REPORTS of certified forests has been rising steadily. Read more about the changes here: Consumer Reports analyzed various attributes of common countertop materials, including how it handles staining, heat, Wood products with certification labels have been vetted by third-party http://bit.ly/1Mt2Hio abrasions and impact. Quartz (engineered stone) got the highest marks, with marble coming in last, primarily because organizations. The two certification programs you’re likely to encounter Cabinetry is just one category where certified wood is available, so it doesn’t hold up well against abrasions and impact. While both quartz and granite garner high scores, it’s important to are those managed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the be sure to ask for certified wood for all aspects of your project, from remember that large amounts of energy are required to transport these stones, so it’s best to look for a local fabricator. Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). framing lumber and plywood to trim. Certified wood may cost 10 to Stainless steel has become quite popular in contemporary kitchens, but it is susceptible to scratching. – Editor The FSC certifies forests all over the world—380 million acres, to 15 percent more—although the cost depends on availability and varies date. The standard includes provisions for protecting water quality, from region to region—but choosing it over lumber that isn’t certified prohibiting pesticide use and protect old-growth habitat, among others. will help ensure forests, which are a key tool for fighting climate change, Read more here: https://us.fsc.org stay intact and healthy. www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 GREEN BUILDER 63

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PRO TIP: Alternative Energy13 SOLAR Make Ready. Even if you don’t Ways to go plan to install solar electric panels Transitioning to a future free of fossil fuels. or solar hot water now, if you pre- Lease or Own? The rise of solar wire and pre-plumb, you can save leasing programs is putting solar thousands on a later installation. arrays on more rooftops. A leased Renewable energy systems Glossary of Terms system must be grid-tied; if you Know the Lingo own your system, you will have to can take a well-designed, weigh the pros and cons of being ■■ Inverter: Device that converts direct current (DC) electricity tied to the grid or not. energy-efficient home to into alternating current (AC), the type of power most commonly used by U.S. appliances and light fixtures.

net-zero-energy status. ■■ Grid-Tied: Electricity produced on site (from photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, etc.) is fed directly into local power RODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY and hot water at home lines, rather than being stored in batteries.

using natural energy from the sun is nothing new. ■■ Cogeneration: Production of electricity from heat that would But technologies have greatly improved over the past otherwise be wasted, such as hot flue gases produced by a few years. Not only do they cost less to install, but gas-powered furnace or boiler.

they’re more reliable, more efficient—and simply ■■ Wind Maps: Useful for siting (and evaluating the viability a better deal. In addition, the supporting hardware of) wind turbines, wind maps show how much wind can be Pis vastly superior to the old stuff. The politics of alternative expected in a geographic region or specific site. energy is changing too, albeit more slowly than many would ■■ Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Electricity like. In many states, utilities are now required to buy back any generating solar panels that have been designed to resemble “extra” electricity you produce. And both wind turbines and solar various familiar types of roofing.

installations are eligible for 30 percent tax credits with no upper ■■ Standby Heat Loss: Heat lost by hot water that is sitting limit from the federal government, plus certain state and utility passively in a storage tank or pipes. Super-insulated hot water incentives. If you’re looking at alternative systems, here’s some tanks greatly reduce this loss. essential information.

WIND TURBINES winds of just 8 miles per hour.

Lighter Wind Demands The advantage of wind power over PV? The wind often blows Meter Small-scale wind turbines that create electricity have always been when it’s dark outside. But before you buy, take a look at the national a fairly specialized form of power generation—most valuable in wind map published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory mountainous and coastal regions. The challenge has been to build (NREL). You’ll see that not every area of the United States is well a turbine that produces adequate electricity, even in low wind, to suited for wind-powered living. In fact, if you live in any of the make it worth the cost. We’re getting much closer. For example, Southeast states—and you don’t have a place right on the water—

both the Swift (www.swiftwindturbine.com) and the Skystream wind is a long shot. You will make a lot more power with a good Photovoltaic Wind Controller Grid-Tie (www.skystreamenergy.com) turbines begin producing power in solar PV setup. panel Turbine Inverter THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR SMA Sunny Boy Storage Different Approaches to Solar at Home Creating electricity with either photovoltaic panels or wind turbines typically ® ® VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR VISION HOUSE AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR Battery Inverter begins with production of direct current (DC) electricity. That current then KOHLER Home Generators Grundfos SQE Residential The Sunny Boy Storage transformerless passes through a transformer to become the typical alternating current (AC) battery inverter converts electricity from You won’t worry about power outages used in almost all homes (aside from some RVs and boats). Most modern Groundwater Pump high-voltage battery to the grid, and vice with a KOHLER home generator. Offering systems do not include battery storage, simply because battery technology Unlike conventional well pumps, the Grundfos SQE versa. The inverter, which was first introduced standby power, each unit runs on liquid has not matured enough to warrant the expense and environmental impacts. residential groundwater pump provides constant in Europe, is lightweight, affordable and propane or natural gas and requires a smaller That may change in the next few years, but for now, the best bet is a grid- pressure, no matter how many faucets are being efficient, and it is compatible with high- installation footprint, because it’s roughly half connected system that can later be reconfigured for advanced batteries. used. At three inches in diameter, the lightweight, voltage batteries from several manufacturers. the size of larger-kW counterparts. KOHLER easy-to-install unit has an intelligent built-in variable The SMA Sunny Boy Storage battery inverter generators can be controlled remotely from a speed motor that automatically increases or can be used in both retrofits and new PV installations. It will be available in smartphone, tablet or computer. decreases its speed, depending upon the amount of 3.8- and 6.0-kW models. www.sma-america.com www.kohlergenerators.com water consumed. us.grundfos.com RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ARRAY BY NRG HOME SOLAR WWW.NRGHOMESOLAR.COM

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PHOTOVOLTAICS on the savings. Looking Sharp Small-Scale Cogeneration Solar leasing programs are not available in every state (or in every Solar Roof Area The race is on to build better PV cells that convert sunlight to region of a given state); however, the largest providers are continu- electricity. New solar films and panels are being tested that are more ally expanding their territories. Companies that offer solar leases are efficient, less expensive and lighter than ever. The current challenge SolarCity, SunPower, Sunrun, Sungevity, Real Goods Solar and NRG There are a number of different things you is to find a more affordable alternative to the polycrystalline silicon Home Solar (www.nrghomesolar.com). need to know before calculating the roof area based panels that dominate the market. But while that R&D is required for your solar panel installation: going on, existing solar products are becoming more practical. For SOLAR HOT WATER example, Sanyo recently came out with double-sided solar panels Smart Storage 1. The size of the system. that can simultaneously provide shade (in the form of an awning), The availability of extremely durable hot water storage tanks— 2. The type and dimensions of the solar panels. and take in sunlight on both the top and bottom surfaces. which in some cases also serve as water heaters—has made solar (You can get these from the solar panel datasheet.) At the same time, the range of building integrated photovoltaics hot water collection even more viable. Many tanks now include a 3. The spacing between solar panels. (BIPV) has exploded. That’s good news for homeowners. It means you separate closed loop of a freeze-resistant liquid. That extra loop is 4. The orientation of the panels. can now have a solar generating system built right into your roof that specifically for solar hot water—so that when the sun is shining, looks like asphalt shingles or architectural metal or even clay tiles. the solar panels on the roof heat the clean water in the tank. Once you’ve gathered this information, And, as we mentioned earlier, many states require utilities to buy But when the sun is not sufficient (or you have teenagers using up here’s how to calculate the area required: any leftover electricity you generate. One of the key improvements in the “free” hot water) an external boiler or heating system built into Size of the system (watts) ÷ size of the solar panel (watts) BIPV in recent years has been the way they connect to each other and the tank kicks on to make up the difference. = number of panels required. your home’s power system. The early products were co-dependent. In One of the great advantages of a solar hot water system is the other words, when the connection broke on a solar shingle, the whole relatively rapid payback. In other words, if you install this year, it Example: 5-kW system ÷ 250 W = 20 panels roof stopped producing. Newer systems have built-in redundancy in may pay for itself in less than three years, especially once you figure their wiring, and most are more modular, making replacement of a in the tax credits and rebates available. Each panel measures 1,680 mm x 996 mm, 2 single faulty tile or panel less of a hassle. or 1.68 m x 0.996 m = 1.67 m COGENERATION Total Area = 20 panels x 1.67 m2 = 33.40 m2 Solar Leasing Waste Not Third-party-owned solar PV systems have made solar technology Cogeneration has been common at large factories for decades. It’s A little bit of space will also be needed between each panel affordable to more people. Typically, a solar leasing company basically a way of squeezing more work out of fossil fuels. Also for fixing the panels to the racks—this will depend on what provides the array at a low (sometimes no) upfront cost. The leaser known as combined heat and power (CHP) generation systems, these type of racking system is used. is guaranteed a fixed monthly rate for the term of the lease (often 20 mechanical wonders put the waste heat generated by a home furnace Orientation. If you don’t have enough roof space on a single years); in addition, the leasing company provides all maintenance or boiler to work making electricity. By some estimates, they achieve roof face, consider splitting your system into two different of the array and often enables web-based monitoring of the system. 90 percent efficiency, compared with 30 to 40 percent from your local orientations. The best orientation for panels (in the Northern Some companies offer a power purchase agreement instead of or in power station. If you’re already replacing or installing a new boiler Hemisphere) is south. East and west are slightly less efficient or furnace, why not take it to another level and try cogeneration? (around 9 percent less). If you split your panels between your CREDIT: COGEN MICROSYSTEMS CREDIT: SOLAR SAVINGS Heat and Power. Innovative new co-generation equipment such as this south and west roofs evenly, you would only lose around unit from Australia-based Cogen Microsystems could dramatically change RESILIENCE 4.5 percent of your overall system capacity. how homes are heated and cooled, but retail versions seem to come and Back-Up Plan go from the marketplace. A renewable energy system can be part of a strategy for keeping your home powered up during storms and power outages. Grid-tied Battery banks have long been a staple of off-grid systems, but home addition to a straight lease. In this arrangement, the customer pays for solar PV systems aren’t available when the grid powers down, so batteries for grid-tied systems are just around the corner. Electric the energy produced by the panels, at a fixed and predetermined rate. it’s necessary to have a back-up plan. While gas- or propane-fired vehicle batteries paired with the right EV charger are another up-and- Is it better to lease or purchase a solar system? This often depends generators are a good conventional source of back-up power, other coming back-up power source. In this way, different power sources on your tax bracket. If you are unable to take advantage of the 30 options are becoming available. Some inverter manufacturers are become part of a dynamic system that not only makes your home percent federal tax credit, a third-party-owned system might be the starting to build in a limited amount of storage into their products. more resilient, but turns it into a dynamic participant in the grid way to go, as the solar provider can utilize the tax credit and pass Stand-alone solar panels can be used to power specific appliances. rather than just an end user. GB

Bosch Power SMA Sunny Boy TL-US Bosch eBike Systems What You Could Save Over Time Max 2 EV Charger Inverter with Secure Available for the North Bosch’s Power Max level 2 electric Power Supply American market in 2016, Bosch’s eBike system consists What would you do with an extra $20K? vehicle charging stations included 16 The Sunny Boy TL-US can provide up of an electrified drive unit, and 30 amp models. Just launched, to 1,500 watts of daytime power to a That’s how much the average solar system battery pack, computerized the new Bosch Power Max 2 includes dedicated power outlet during prolonged control panel and charger. will save you over 20 years. Residents in a 40-amp variant, which means power outages, without using batteries. An eBike can be part of an faster charging for EVs that can This transformerless inverter is 97.6 states with high electricity rates, such as overall strategy for reducing accommodate 40 amps. percent efficient and is able to accept a emissions and building resilience, especially if you charge with solar Hawaii, can expect to save even more. www.pluginnow.com wide input voltage range. power.” http://bit.ly/1FMbBpa www.sma-america.com SOURCE: ONE BLOCK OFF THE GRID

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