Building Products for Remodeling: September 2008 Archives
You've probably noticed the side-loading clothes washers and wondered if they really save energy and water!
Yes, and YES!
Horizontal axis clothes washers cut power by 30% or washing and reduces water use by requiring less in the tub for each load.
You can also reduce dryer energy by 10 to 20% by using the new appliances designed for energy efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting models with the best energy efficiency.
If you have Solar PV cells or a Solar Thermal system...run your wash in the afternoons with solar hot water and solar power!
You can also save energy by hanging your clothes to dry. Indoors. Outdoors....take your choice...they are both zero energy options!
Energy Star Dishwashers
If you're the kind of cook who absolutely refuses to wash your dishes in the sink -- which is far more energy and water efficient than an appliance -- be sure to select the highest efficiency model using Energy Star rating. Look for the Energy Guide label.
Where you place your dishwasher and clothes washer can also save you money. By keeping the (Insulated pipes, of course!) plumbing lines to the waer heater SHORT, you save temperature cooling. And consider designing your water heater close to both kitchen and bathrooms for greatest building and energy economy!
Designing your energy and water infrastructure for efficiency is step one in energy savings. Nothing can make up for large houses, long distance plumbing, or inefficient applieances. And you can end up paying many times the initial cost of the construction in your rising energy bills! Think ahead to save for years to come.
Yes, and YES!
Horizontal axis clothes washers cut power by 30% or washing and reduces water use by requiring less in the tub for each load.
You can also reduce dryer energy by 10 to 20% by using the new appliances designed for energy efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that you're getting models with the best energy efficiency.
If you have Solar PV cells or a Solar Thermal system...run your wash in the afternoons with solar hot water and solar power!
You can also save energy by hanging your clothes to dry. Indoors. Outdoors....take your choice...they are both zero energy options!
Energy Star Dishwashers
If you're the kind of cook who absolutely refuses to wash your dishes in the sink -- which is far more energy and water efficient than an appliance -- be sure to select the highest efficiency model using Energy Star rating. Look for the Energy Guide label.
Where you place your dishwasher and clothes washer can also save you money. By keeping the (Insulated pipes, of course!) plumbing lines to the waer heater SHORT, you save temperature cooling. And consider designing your water heater close to both kitchen and bathrooms for greatest building and energy economy!
Designing your energy and water infrastructure for efficiency is step one in energy savings. Nothing can make up for large houses, long distance plumbing, or inefficient applieances. And you can end up paying many times the initial cost of the construction in your rising energy bills! Think ahead to save for years to come.
When the wind blows, temperatures fluctuate -- we know that is normal in nature, but we forget that we've domesticated air to blow through ducts. But we can significantly improve energy use if we put some thought to how our home ventilation is designed and insulated.
Ducts placed in conditioned space formed by a false ceiling can have a 10% influence on heating and cooling costs.
If it's not possible to create this conditioned space for your duct system, consider burying your ducts in deep ceiling insulation and seal the attic with roof deck insulation.
Ducts in unconditioned attic space can lose up to 1/3 of the energy used to condition the air inside the ducts.
Ductless heat pumps can also be an alternative.
Ducts should be well-sealed and tested; smooth round ducts are more efficient than flex ducts because they provide lower friction and thus, require lower fan power.
Ducts placed in conditioned space formed by a false ceiling can have a 10% influence on heating and cooling costs.
If it's not possible to create this conditioned space for your duct system, consider burying your ducts in deep ceiling insulation and seal the attic with roof deck insulation.
Ducts in unconditioned attic space can lose up to 1/3 of the energy used to condition the air inside the ducts.
Ductless heat pumps can also be an alternative.
Ducts should be well-sealed and tested; smooth round ducts are more efficient than flex ducts because they provide lower friction and thus, require lower fan power.
Glass windows are important for mental health and connections to the environment that surrounds us, but they also can be an energy drain as uncontrolled sunshine or cold winds penetrate into the building through these thin, hard surfaces. Here are some methods to reduce energy use through windows:
- Use high performance solar control windows designed for your climate. Insulated frames are better in some situations, non-metal frames in other.
- Attempt to orient your window spaces more to the south, with awnings to protect during summer heat.
- Aim for glass to floor area ratio of 15% or less.
- Add 2 - 3 foot overhangs on south facing windows in warm climates
- Use old-fashioned porches to protect windows and doors from weather -- sun, rain and heat
Sunshine is hot...water needs to be heated....whalah...combine them!
Solar Water Heating System
Solar water heating can use an Integrated Collector Storage system to preheat water. And solar water heaters are now eligible for some nice incentives in some states such as California.
Integrated Collection Storage systems (ICS) are best where there is no freeze danger.
You will get better performance from open look, active systems with a 40 square foot cllector and DC solar powered pump (for simple operation)
You can use a tankless gas backup for 77% efficiency.
What to watch for...beware of hot water recirculation systems without occupancy control. On demand systems can increase energy use by 3X. Ask your local utility company for their input on the best system configurations.
Solar Water Heating System
Solar water heating can use an Integrated Collector Storage system to preheat water. And solar water heaters are now eligible for some nice incentives in some states such as California.
Integrated Collection Storage systems (ICS) are best where there is no freeze danger.
You will get better performance from open look, active systems with a 40 square foot cllector and DC solar powered pump (for simple operation)
You can use a tankless gas backup for 77% efficiency.
What to watch for...beware of hot water recirculation systems without occupancy control. On demand systems can increase energy use by 3X. Ask your local utility company for their input on the best system configurations.
