Recently in Green for Homes Category

I mentioned that even though I've been researching and writing about windows and doors, I still wasn't sure whre "fenestration" came from.  I mused in front of the wrong person!!!

Fenestration

Here's my version:  The term is derived from an 18th century contractor who wasn't very good at his job, but who livened up the workplace as  the butt of all jokes... George Fenester, the window guy, could not install a window without breaking at least one pane of glass.   On a particularly troubling day, he fell backwards and shattered an entire stack of glass panes.  His buddies kidded him by asking, "Hey George, feeling a little Fenestration today?"  It was followed by howls of laughter...they found it humorous, most likely because they were uneducated laborers who did not have access to fine comedic programming...or even to TV for that matter.


By David Hylton

I mentioned that even though I've been researching and writing about windows and doors, I still wasn't sure where "fenestration" came from.  I mused in front of the wrong person!!!

Fenestration

Here's my version:  The term is derived from an 18th century contractor who wasn't very good at his job, but who livened up the workplace as  the butt of all jokes... George Fenester, the window guy, could not install a window without breaking at least one pane of glass.   On a particularly troubling day, he fell backwards and shattered an entire stack of glass panes.  His buddies kidded him by asking, "Hey George, feeling a little Fenestration today?"  It was followed by howls of laughter...they found it humorous, most likely because they were uneducated laborers who did not have access to fine comedic programming...or even to TV for that matter.


By David Hylton

California regulators have approved using residential "gray water" by issuing an emergency decision that allows residents to create simple water-reuse systems without a construction permit.

The California Building Standards Commission had expected an overhaul of gray-water rules to take effect in 2011. But on Thursday, it adopted the regulations on an emergency basis due to the deepening drought. Local health agencies may adopt stricter conditions than the state's after they hold public hearings.

Gray water includes wastewater from showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, laundry tubs and washing machines, but not from toilets, kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

Homeowners still must follow state guidelines for installation and use. The rules require minimal contact between people and the gray water, for instance by covering the water-release point with at least 2 inches of rock, mulch or other material.

'GRAY WATER' FACTS

New state rules provide permit exemptions for some residential gray-water systems, but people still have to follow several requirements. They include:

 The system must allow users to direct water to an irrigation field or the sewer.

 Ponding and gray-water runoff are prohibited.

 Gray water can be released above ground, but the discharge point must be covered by at least 2 inches of mulch, rock or other material that minimizes human contact.

 Water used to wash diapers or other soiled garments must be sent to the sewer.

 Gray water shouldn't be used on root vegetables.

Online: For more information about California's new standards for gray-water systems, go to uniontrib.com/more/gray.

Roughly 1.7 million gray-water systems are installed statewide. Most are illegal because homeowners almost always avoid permits and the associated fees.

Do-it-yourselfers can build a gray-water system for $200 or less, but permitting-process costs can more than double the expense.

A standard home generates about 160 gallons of gray water per day, or nearly 60,000 gallons per year, state officials said. A family of four could reuse 22,000 gallons a year by tapping the rinse water from its washing machine.

Jason Pelletier, Low Impact Living, recently participated in a New York Times piece (published in the Home section today) on green home consultants.

"After a few hours of in-home work and many more of analysis, reporting, product research and follow-up with my clients, it was somewhat ironic that the lead image for the story was a picture of me peering into the tank of a toilet!", Jason explained.



One could argue a toilet is a fitting representation of our times, after all. The economy remains in the tank, we continue to do relatively little as a society to combat climate change, and the residential green sector continues to dragged down by the horrible housing market (unless you happen to be in one of the few sectors directly benefiting from stimulus funding).

However, we still see a very bright future for the overall green remodeling/retrofit market.

The lowest hanging fruit on the path to a lower-carbon economy lie in our homes, from weatherization to low-flow water fixtures to efficient appliances and lighting.

The environmental savings can be significant, and many projects will start contributing to your bank account in less than a year. Although each of our individual actions might be a drop in the bucket (as noted by some of the skeptical folks interviewed in the Times article), our collective actions will amount to significant change and send a message to both companies and our elected officials that the old way won't work anymore.

The first step is getting started, of course, and a good green consultant can help by explaining both the environmental and economic benefits of particular green projects.

Tackle green projects in these four groups, and we guarantee that you'll soon be on a logical and profitable path to a lower impact:

Make the easy fixes that have high environmental and economic benefits first. Many first steps can be done for $0 - $100, and can cut major chunks out of your energy, water and carbon footprints.

Swap out key house systems, starting with the biggest hogs and/or systems that have multiple impacts. Once you've cut your baseline down based on #1, turn to these bigger projects.

Install sustainable systems where possible for remaining water/energy needs. By now, you've probably cut your energy, water and sewer bills by 30-50%. But there's a huge added benefit to this tiering of projects: you've also reduced the cost of major sustainble system upgrades.

Offset the rest. In most existing homes, it's nearly impossible to competely cut your outside energy use and associated carbon footprint. Buy offsets for this remaining piece.

Learn more about living greener at Low Impact Living, one of the premier sources for information for home improvements that are greener and high performance.

• Nearly half (49%) of U.S. homeowners are not aware if the cleaning products they use are environmentally safe.
• 58% are likely (likely/very likely/extremely likely) to purchase "green" cleaning products.
• 63% of homeowners are concerned (concerned/very concerned/extremely concerned) that cleaning products may be made with chemicals that may be hazardous to their health. One in five (21%) are extremely concerned.
• Carpet is the most common floor covering in U.S. homes. The majority of U.S. homeowners use carpet in bedrooms (80%), living rooms (65%), offices/dens (68%) and family rooms (63%).
• The majority (52%) of survey participants indicated the primary advantage of carpet is that it's comfortable. 41% say the biggest drawback is that it shows soil.
• Among homeowners who replaced their carpet, 49% did so because of wear while four in 10 (38%) replaced carpet due to soiling and staining issues.
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. homeowners have rugs in their homes.
• Half of U.S. homeowners (50 percent) say it's extremely or very important to hire a professional cleaning service that is certified by a professional organization.

About the IICRC
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries.

How Healthy Are National Green Building Programs?, The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) compared green building and indoor air quality guidelines.

The study recommends the following improvements be made to several programs to reduce contaminants:

• Avoid the use of mold susceptible materials in areas likely to get wet (bathrooms). Use dense glass gypsum board instead of paper-backed gypsum board.
• Require sub-slab depressurization systems [radon mitigation system ] in new homes to help reduce soil odors.
• Set the hot water heater to 120 degrees F. This is primarily a safety issue although setting the temperature to 120-140°F vs. 160-180°F saves 10% energy as well.

Except for the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) all programs require compliance with the ventilation standard ASHRAE 62.2. NCHH recommends NAHB add this requirement to their guidelines.

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.

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

Zero Energy Homes are constructed (or remodeled) to reduce the amount of energy and balance usage with renewable energy generation.  Here are some of the successful strategies that maximize energy conservation:

• Cut total electrical loads to 15 kWh per day
• Think less house, more efficiency, just say NO to McMansions
• Add 3-4 kW solar PV system with inverter to generate 15 kWh/day
• Effective solar water heating system with tankless gas water heater auxiliary
• Solar control measures to reduce air conditioning with good insulation, porches, reflective surfaces, and trees
• Well insulated building to reduce heating loads
• Use Energy Star rated appliances of all types:  refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, televisions, computers
• Monitor real time energy use to guide your successful identification of key problem areas.

Exterior walls provide large surfaces that are exposed to the elements and interior walls can become tunnels of air in through interior spaces.

Energy conservation with wall construction provide a variety of options such as:

• Minimum R-19 insulation
• Inspect insulation to eliminate gaps that result from remodels or settling insulation
• Consider advanced framing or insulated headers
• R-10 exterior sheathing can prevent thermal bridges
• Light pastel paint colors in hot climates can reflect heat on exterior walls
• Green walls or trees outside West windows  can also provide shade to reduce hot afternoon temperature rises