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Used building materials are a time honored conservation strategy. My father was an old world carpenter who maintained a shop that was half workspace and half storage of used building materials from previous jobs that could be used in future jobs. It was part of his work habits to conserve good used materials. Maybe that was because we didn't have curbside pickup of trash -- we lived in the country and had to haul our own trash to the city dump and pay to dump it. So the trash was minimized ... and the annual trip was seen as a necessary evil, not a solution. That meant we learned every trick to use old building materials like wood and brick and even old nuts and bolts.
The solution to conserving materials was to carefully use every bit of material bought for a job, and to save anything left over -- both new materials and used materials. Recycling used materials is smart. Using "used" saves money. AND it saves our increasingly precious natural resources.
But what are the tricks to maximizing the value of used building materials?
Pre-planning the job.
During the design phase of your job, when you're sketching possible solutions...revisit your stash of used building materials. Sort through your used hardware. And used plywood,. And used boards. And used or remnant laminate. Let your imagination roam among your current resources -- your treasure chest of used building materials and make them an integral part of your design.
Designing with used building materials
Used materials have not only pragmatic value...but aesthetic value. The patina of old wood is rich and textured with use. Old paint can be decorative and unique. Used hardware has character.
Sourcing used building materials
Architectural supply houses deconstruct old buildings and make these used, aesthetic and practical materials available for new projects. Habitat for Humanity also has a growing chain of reuse materials that are salvaged materials from remodeling jobs and old buildings. These used and remnant materials are sorted and stored to protect their value and integrity. And the discounts are amazingly affordable.
The Habitat ReStores of used building materials are found on the Internet by searching for your local region (city, county, or state) and "Habitat Restore".
Local building tear downs
Many people have old buildings on their property that they want torn down (with a treasure trove of used building matrials!). Reasons vary. Often they don't have the tools or the truck available to handle the job of reclaiming or storing the used materials themselves, but would welcome your help in tearing down the building and hauling away the valuable used building material salvage...in exchange for your proud acquisition of the used building materials.
Sometimes people advertise that they are looking for a deal to exchange labor for the used building materials and salvage. Sometimes it the "friendship network" that connects you can connect you with used materials. Sometimes you can find reclamation opportunities at a local resource center such as the local hardware store, lumber yard or restaurant bulletin board.
Salvaging new construction materials
When you see a construction site -- whether it is a new home or a remodeling job, you can stop and ask the owner and construction supervisor if you could have their left over and salvaged, used building materials. You could work out a deal for a good price...and save them tipping fees at the landfill. You can also purchase excess materials they purchased because they need a safety factor on large scale jobs -- this excess inventory can often be bought at a savings.
Consider all your costs
Before you scavenge for new or used building materials a long way from home, consider your own costs: the fuel, the wear and tear on your vehicle and the storage costs. It pays to save...but it pays more to carefully time your used material purchases to meet your needs. Most people don't have a working shop in which they can store used and salvaged materials for some future possibility. Storage takes money to heat and cool, to pay taxes on...and to clean.
But reclaiming used building materials has many benefits ... for you, for your community and for our natural resources.
The solution to conserving materials was to carefully use every bit of material bought for a job, and to save anything left over -- both new materials and used materials. Recycling used materials is smart. Using "used" saves money. AND it saves our increasingly precious natural resources.
But what are the tricks to maximizing the value of used building materials?
Pre-planning the job.
During the design phase of your job, when you're sketching possible solutions...revisit your stash of used building materials. Sort through your used hardware. And used plywood,. And used boards. And used or remnant laminate. Let your imagination roam among your current resources -- your treasure chest of used building materials and make them an integral part of your design.
Designing with used building materials
Used materials have not only pragmatic value...but aesthetic value. The patina of old wood is rich and textured with use. Old paint can be decorative and unique. Used hardware has character.
Sourcing used building materials
Architectural supply houses deconstruct old buildings and make these used, aesthetic and practical materials available for new projects. Habitat for Humanity also has a growing chain of reuse materials that are salvaged materials from remodeling jobs and old buildings. These used and remnant materials are sorted and stored to protect their value and integrity. And the discounts are amazingly affordable.
The Habitat ReStores of used building materials are found on the Internet by searching for your local region (city, county, or state) and "Habitat Restore".
Local building tear downs
Many people have old buildings on their property that they want torn down (with a treasure trove of used building matrials!). Reasons vary. Often they don't have the tools or the truck available to handle the job of reclaiming or storing the used materials themselves, but would welcome your help in tearing down the building and hauling away the valuable used building material salvage...in exchange for your proud acquisition of the used building materials.
Sometimes people advertise that they are looking for a deal to exchange labor for the used building materials and salvage. Sometimes it the "friendship network" that connects you can connect you with used materials. Sometimes you can find reclamation opportunities at a local resource center such as the local hardware store, lumber yard or restaurant bulletin board.
Salvaging new construction materials
When you see a construction site -- whether it is a new home or a remodeling job, you can stop and ask the owner and construction supervisor if you could have their left over and salvaged, used building materials. You could work out a deal for a good price...and save them tipping fees at the landfill. You can also purchase excess materials they purchased because they need a safety factor on large scale jobs -- this excess inventory can often be bought at a savings.
Consider all your costs
Before you scavenge for new or used building materials a long way from home, consider your own costs: the fuel, the wear and tear on your vehicle and the storage costs. It pays to save...but it pays more to carefully time your used material purchases to meet your needs. Most people don't have a working shop in which they can store used and salvaged materials for some future possibility. Storage takes money to heat and cool, to pay taxes on...and to clean.
But reclaiming used building materials has many benefits ... for you, for your community and for our natural resources.
- 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.
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:
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.
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.
LCD flat screen TVs can save 40% vs. plasma screen TVs. Wow! The savings can be more significant than an energy efficient refrigerator! That says something about how much TV we watch. You might also consider turning the TV off more often and getting together with friends or nature to enjoy real pleasures!
But back to energy and appliances :-) ...
TIVO and DVRs also use a lot of energy!
Design controllable circuitry to allow turning off all modules of a home entertainment center other than your DVR.
Provide similar circuits to your home office to allow grouping all your computers and peripherals except your CPU and wireless router.
And in the kitchen -- consider using induction cooking if you use electric; and add a real outdoor venting system that will improve your indoor air quality at the same time it takes unnecessary heat out of your conditioned spaces.
But back to energy and appliances :-) ...
TIVO and DVRs also use a lot of energy!
Design controllable circuitry to allow turning off all modules of a home entertainment center other than your DVR.
Provide similar circuits to your home office to allow grouping all your computers and peripherals except your CPU and wireless router.
And in the kitchen -- consider using induction cooking if you use electric; and add a real outdoor venting system that will improve your indoor air quality at the same time it takes unnecessary heat out of your conditioned spaces.
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.
Zero Energy Homes are also high comfort homes! Food preparation leads to the kitchen being the MOST important room in the entire house, and food choices are just part of the energy equation. Yes, organic food benefits the environment and your taste buds...and you health. But what you store that food in is a BIG contributor to your energy consumption.
Refrigerators are energy hogs...and that sucks the bacon right off your plate! :-)
When you remodel your kitchen, or decide it's just time to replace your refrigerator consider recycling your old refrigerator in a responsible way. Call your local public utility company or your city solid waste department to see if they have a refrigerator recycling program. By recycling this equipment, the toxic chemicals in the cooling system can be reclaimed and kept out of your community's drinking water supplies...and the metal can be recycled to prevent further damage to your environment.
But...back to the point of this article...how do you save energy with a new refrigerator?
By the most efficient refrigerator of the size and type that best fits your needs. Don't supersize it! And resist the urge for a second frig and separate freezer. Bulk saves energy!
Refrigerators with top freezers are the most efficient. And by turning off the moisture control, you can save more! If you live in a low humidity, temperate climate zone (like California), you really don't need that little heater running all the time because moisture just isn't a problem. And you'll save on your electric bill!
Refrigerators are energy hogs...and that sucks the bacon right off your plate! :-)
When you remodel your kitchen, or decide it's just time to replace your refrigerator consider recycling your old refrigerator in a responsible way. Call your local public utility company or your city solid waste department to see if they have a refrigerator recycling program. By recycling this equipment, the toxic chemicals in the cooling system can be reclaimed and kept out of your community's drinking water supplies...and the metal can be recycled to prevent further damage to your environment.
But...back to the point of this article...how do you save energy with a new refrigerator?
By the most efficient refrigerator of the size and type that best fits your needs. Don't supersize it! And resist the urge for a second frig and separate freezer. Bulk saves energy!
Refrigerators with top freezers are the most efficient. And by turning off the moisture control, you can save more! If you live in a low humidity, temperate climate zone (like California), you really don't need that little heater running all the time because moisture just isn't a problem. And you'll save on your electric bill!
Cooling Systems
Whole House Fan or Economizer System
The principal of ventilation cooling is to circulate cool night air through buildings, thereby cooling (removing heat from) interior mass surfaces such as walls, concrete floors, and furnishings. During the day this cool mass absorbs heat from the air, keeping indoor temperatures more comfortable. Studies have shown that ventilation cooling can eliminate the need for air conditioning in coastal California climate zones, and can substantially reduce both total and peak demand air conditioning energy use in the inland valleys.
One example is:
Whole House Fan or Economizer System
The principal of ventilation cooling is to circulate cool night air through buildings, thereby cooling (removing heat from) interior mass surfaces such as walls, concrete floors, and furnishings. During the day this cool mass absorbs heat from the air, keeping indoor temperatures more comfortable. Studies have shown that ventilation cooling can eliminate the need for air conditioning in coastal California climate zones, and can substantially reduce both total and peak demand air conditioning energy use in the inland valleys.
One example is:
Davis Energy Group: Nightbreeze is an integrated night ventilation cooling system with intelligent adaptive controls that optimize security, cooling comfort and energy: www.davisenergy.com.
Auxiliary air conditioning should have a minimum of SEER 17. Building codes require a minimum of 13.
To maximize savings, consider advanced systems with SEER 18+ that come with high speed operation disabled. Also, evaporatively cooled condensers in hot locations are an option that work like air conditioners, but they accept outside air that is cooled by evaporation.
Heating Systems
Fully condensing gas furances (91%+) are highly efficient. Tankless gas heaters with hydronic loop, connected with a whole house economizer system (Nightbreeze, Rinani, Tacagui) are also efficient. If you use an electric heat pump, consider geothermal ground loop system and minimize circulation pump power.
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.
Ceilings
Ceilings provide many opportunities for insulating against severe temperatures. Most ceilings are exposed to the attic, and often, attics are not as insulated or ventilated as they could be. If attics are seen as tools in the zero energy process, they can be managed to moderate temperatures before those heat or cold fronts affect room ceilings.
R-38 insulation in warm climates and R-49 in cold climates, coupled with advanced framing techniques are your first rung of ceiling defense.
Ceilings above and below need to be inspected for consistency and gaps in insulation. Ducts should be buried in insulation if they are part of the attic landscape.
Garages are often poorly insulated, again considered secondary space, similar to attics. But any space next to living space conducts temperatures through surfaces to adjacent living spaces -- so garages should be well insulated in hot climates to reduce energy use.
Roofs
Start with the shape of your roof -- pitched roofs have larger areas and the steeper the pitch, the more material, time and upkeep will be required for the roof itself. Then comes insulation of the added space!
Hot climates benefit from special attention to roofing materials and insulation. Light colored tiles with a radiant barrier underneath; or light colored metal make good choices for energy efficient roofs.
Insulated roof decks benefit from at least R-30 coupled with light colored tile that is well sealed.
Ceilings provide many opportunities for insulating against severe temperatures. Most ceilings are exposed to the attic, and often, attics are not as insulated or ventilated as they could be. If attics are seen as tools in the zero energy process, they can be managed to moderate temperatures before those heat or cold fronts affect room ceilings.
R-38 insulation in warm climates and R-49 in cold climates, coupled with advanced framing techniques are your first rung of ceiling defense.
Ceilings above and below need to be inspected for consistency and gaps in insulation. Ducts should be buried in insulation if they are part of the attic landscape.
Garages are often poorly insulated, again considered secondary space, similar to attics. But any space next to living space conducts temperatures through surfaces to adjacent living spaces -- so garages should be well insulated in hot climates to reduce energy use.
Roofs
Start with the shape of your roof -- pitched roofs have larger areas and the steeper the pitch, the more material, time and upkeep will be required for the roof itself. Then comes insulation of the added space!
Hot climates benefit from special attention to roofing materials and insulation. Light colored tiles with a radiant barrier underneath; or light colored metal make good choices for energy efficient roofs.
Insulated roof decks benefit from at least R-30 coupled with light colored tile that is well sealed.
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.
