From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: Earth-Friendly Construction Ideas that Make a Difference
Earth-friendly is one of the biggest trends in construction and interior design today. However, many earth-friendly additions amount to little more than an extra expense because they do not make a significant impact on the home’s environmental footprint. There are, on the other hand, several proven techniques that do make a real difference when it comes to earth-friendly factors like energy usage and sustainability.
Use Recycled and Renewable Materials
There are opportunities throughout your home’s interior to use sustainable materials. Use reclaimed lumber for construction of custom cabinets. Earth-friendly flooring options include bamboo and natural linoleum. Recycled glass and plastic can also be used as building materials. Sustainable options are often cheaper than their non-sustainable counterparts.
Supplement Your Utilities
Solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems are good for your wallet as well as the environment. Using electricity from solar panels can greatly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill. A rainwater harvesting system cuts your water bill significantly, especially if you live in a rainy climate. The rainwater collected is used for purposes like toilet flushing and lawn watering, and clean, potable water from the pipes is used for drinking, washing and bathing.
Look for the Energy Star
Many appliances, windows and other items are labeled with an energy star rating, which means that the item is certified by the EPA to use less energy. Energy star items have been subjected to thorough testing. Professionals, like those at Power Test Inc., know that including power testing with engine dynamometers, help ensure that they provide the highest level of efficiency without compromising on performance.
Install Efficient Plumbing Fixtures
Opting for low-flow models of shower heads and faucets can save a lot of water and money each month. Choose a dual-flush system for toilets, which has one lever for a low-flow flush and another lever for a more powerful flush. Tank-less water heaters save electricity or natural gas because they heat water on an as-needed basis instead of keeping a large tank heated at all times.
Insulate Properly
Insulation is an important aspect of energy-efficient construction, reducing cooling and heating costs by keeping outside air from infiltrating the interior of the home. However, too much insulation can cause problems like mold and mildew, so have your insulation installed by a trained professional.
When planning earth-friendly construction, it is important to remember that each project is different. Consider these ideas within the context of the size, location and aesthetics of the home you are building to decide if they are worthwhile investments.
Choosing between a tankless water heater and a storage water heater must be done with care. Which is more efficient depends on circumstances. Choosing the wrong one will result in consuming more energy.
If one uses only a modest amount of water, a tankless water heater will save energy. However, if one uses large amounts of water, such as would be used in a household with several people, a late model tank type of water heater may be a better choice.
A tankless water heater must burn gas at a very high rate to keep up with demand when water is being used. That very high rate of combustion generally results in a higher percentage of heat being wasted. However, there are no storage losses when water is not being used.
A tank type water heater has storage losses because of imperfect insulation. However, the combustion rate is much lower so the combustion heat is more efficiently transferred to the water.
Also, a tank type water heater is compatible with a hot water recirculation system which can save water by making in unnecessary to waste water while waiting for hot water to arrive at the faucet.
Consider a hybrid water heater of the type that burns gas and has a very small tank, i.e., a tank with a capacity of about one gallon. They are also compatible with a hot water recirculation system and are more efficient than a storage type water heater. My sister and her husband have one. However, it may be difficult to find one, especially if you are in a hurry to replace a failed water heater.