Components of a Green Home

Solar Smart Windows ---- High performance windows improve year round comfort while reducing energy bills and winter condensation. Low-e and solar coating on all windows including the basement is the cornerstone to window performance.

Insulation ---- A great insulation package provides better comfort in all seasons and lower energy bills. Attention to detail at installation is the key to this detail along with a minimum R-38 insulation for the attic. A blown wall insulation system that has no gaps or voids plus R-5 rigid insulation at the exterior adds thermal value in addition to creating a thermal break that reduces energy consumption further.

Tight Construction ---- A tightly built home with controlled ventilation gives the homeowner more control over energy use, comfort and health. This is achieved with advanced air sealing which will limit drafts and reduce airflow to the home from low-quality sources.

Solar Design & Lighting ---- Designing with the sun in mind reduces energy bills and creates better comfort in all seasons. House orientation, window placement and shading along with future options to add a solar system for electrical & heating needs are all important considerations. More thought toward lighting details can provide a more pleasant home and lower energy bills.

Exterior Water Management ---- Keeping water out of the house avoids mold and water related problems. Proper drainage details for site, roof, walls and foundation are paramount to this construction detail. Tight construction, proper cladding & flashing, effective humidification and ventilation control are all factors that need attention during design and construction.

Healthy Indoor Air ---- Vital to good health are homes with tight construction and controlled mechanical ventilation that brings clean fresh air into the home 24 hours a day. Materials and equipment that create fewer pollutants also need to be taken into consideration when designing your project.

Combustion Safety ---- Essential for safety and healthy indoor air is to have sealed combustion appliances including fireplaces, hot water heaters and furnaces in addition to exterior vented range hoods. High efficiency heating appliances means furnaces always being 90% efficient sealed combustion units, and hot water supplied by tank-less heaters. Tank-less hot waster units also mean water is heated only when you need it, not all day long and wasting natural resources as is typical in America.

Summer Cooling Choices ---- Many approaches to summer cooling and comfort are much less expensive than air conditioning. Smart solar design and orientation, solar smart windows, and simple cooling features such as whole house fans and evaporative coolers are great options. If an air conditioning unit has to be added it needs to be a high-efficiency condensing unit.

Forced Air Cooling & Heating Equipment ---- Equipment that has been properly sized using a Manual–J calculation and installed correctly lasts longer and provides better comfort for your family. Accurate design and load calculations will ensure that the equipment installed will perform at its maximum efficiency, last longer, and use the least amount of energy, which equates to more money in your pocket.

Forced Air Cooling & Heating Ductwork ---- Ductwork details affect comfort and the daily operation of the heating and cooling equipment. All ductwork is properly designed using a manual – D calculation, and all supply’s and returns in homes built by Lamar Valley Craftsman are hard piped and properly sealed using mastic to ensure design performance.

Appliances ---- Appliance energy use is a growing part of the energy bill. All appliances that are put into the home are Energy Star rated to ensure the least amount of energy usage.