Jeld-Wen. The recipe for FiberLast exterior doors combines wood fibers and fiberglass. SCS-certified for at least 35% pre-consumer recycled material. The doors meet CARB regulations for no added formaldehyde, the maker says, and their solid wood stiles are manufactured using a process that releases 96% fewer VOCs than traditional dip treatments. The doors come in smooth or grained white for painting and grained tan for staining. Styles comprise six-panel,sunburst, half-view, full-view, and sidelites; heights are 6 feet 8 inches, 7 feet 8 inches; and widths run from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet. Low-E and decorative glass options are available. Cost $180 to $220 for a prehung 3-foot by 6-foot 8 inch six panel door.
Many of my readers have expressed a desire for more information on this topic. Thank you for reaching out and asking for some follow up.
Thermal efficiency is a tricky business because most people make it much more complicated than it needs to be which drives up the cost (usually intentionally). The main focus of thermal efficiency should be to practice common sense and do extensive research on your project. First do an analysis of the blueprints vs local building code requirements. In the case of remodeling take photos of the structure with a thermal
imaging camera, perform a physical inspection to devise a written plan of what to do to raise the energy efficiency of the building’s exterior walls. All of this MUST be performed with an acute understanding of how you will change the interior climate of the structure. If you don’t pay attention to this you can make people sick, cause mold growth, and stale air, ect. From there it’s the case of understanding the cost of the many alternatives versus the payback versus what truly makes sense for each persons needs.
Described by a judge as “water-efficient, practical, and cost attractive” The Delta Addison kitchen faucet proves that water conservation needn’t be confined to the bathroom. The unit’s Multi Flow pull-down wand allows users to toggle between the standard 2.2-gpm flow rate for amount-specific needs such as pot filling, and a 1.5-gpm flow rate for tasks such as hand washing. When shut off, the unit defaults to the 1.5-gpm setting. The faucet is also available with Touch20 technology, which allows users to turn the water off and on simply by touching the spout or handle. Kitchen and bar/prep models are available; finishes come in chrome, stainless steel, and bronze.
A.O.Smith. Featuring a heat pump that pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water, the Voltex hybrid electric water heater uses less than half the energy required by a standard electric water heater. The Energy Star-rated 80 gallon unit features three modes: In efficiency mode, the water heater relies almost entirely on the heat pump; in hybrid mode, it switches between the heat pump and standard electric heating elements, depending on the demand for hot water; and in electric mode, the Voltex operates like a standard electric water heater. Installation is similar to that of a conventional electric model.
Before 1992 there may not have been a solution for home owners who wanted some natural light in closed-off rooms. Then Loran and Glenn Miller invented the SunLight Pipe, a 13 inch diameter aluminum tube that could funnel sunlight into rooms. (It’s now known as the Sun Pipe and is manufactured by the Sun Pipe Co.) Other manufacturers followed with similar products, such as the Sun Tunnel, Solatube, and ODL. “The tunnel is cheaper and easier to install”, says Joe Patrick, national product marketing manager for Velux, which now owns Sun Tunnel. “Before the only way to deliver natural light to a smaller room was to get a long shaft from the roofline to the ceiling”. Tubular units have gotten an extra boost recently as an efficient daylight option for green homes, and should continue to see increased interest.
According to Energy Star figures, the Bosh 800 Plus is the most water-and energy efficient dishwasher in the United States. It’s 159% more efficient than the federal energy standard, using 180 KWa a year and as little as 1.56 gallons per cycle-70% less than the average dishwasher, according to the manufacturer. The appliance also features a four-part leak protection system, a triple-filtration system, and a flow-through water heater. Combining a noise-reducing brushless direct-current drain pump, improved insulation, and dosage assist to eliminate spray against the door, the unit achieves a sound rating of 40dBA. That’s what I call Clean and Green. Bravo to all those who work so hard on this type of innovative technology. Keep it coming.
The first product that I will highlight (no pun intended) is made by CertainTeed. Designed to seamlessly integrate with traditional asphalt shingles,EnerGen structural reinforced roofing’s lightweight, flexible solar modules require neither rooftop penetration not structural reinforcement. Pre-engineered kits contain all components necessary for installation, which won praise from a judge. While more efficient when it’s hot outside, the system still produces energy in low and diffused light and partial shade. EnerGen is appropriate for both new construction and remodeling. Cost $25,000 to $30,000 for a 3-KW system. The building industry is making great progress to be a leader in Eco friendly sustainable products. I’m confident as more companies get involved the cost will be greatly reduced. We don’t require the government to force such activity, or impose detrimental laws which hurt the economy and the building industry. We will lead the way without force, for it is the good earth that provides everything. We are motivated to support her for the beniefit of all.
American Hometec unlike other point of use water heaters, has developed the AHQ-T16 electric tankless water heater is sized to provide enough on-demand hot water for an average bathroom and is styled for use in plane view, instead of being hidden in a closet or cabinet. The T16 features the makers patented Coilless Technology, which warms water through heat transfer rather than via coils immersed in the water. The technology eliminates maintenance associated with lime-scale buildup on coil-style models. The T16 allows users to easily set and adjust desired water temperature and is available in a 16k capacity with a 240-volt electrical requirement.
Southwall Technologies recently announced the ability of Heat Mirror glass to insulate against heat loss at a record-breaking center of glass R-20/U0.05 insulating value.
R-20 Hear Mirror insulating glass consists of three reflective coated films mounted inside an insulating glass unit between two pieces of low-e coated glass. This super insulating glass construction creates four heat-impeding gas-filled cavities and achieves R-20 performance.
Heat Mirror is a technologically advanced low-emissivity and solar reflective film that can be mounted inside an insulating glass unit in a variety of configurations to provide energy conservation performance ranging from R-6 to R-20 to meet the unique requirements of commercial and residential new construction and renovation projects.
Revised Energy Star window performance standards make clear that generic low-e glass, with a maximum insulating performance level of R-4, no longer represent a level of energy efficiency required to “transform the market” a key charter of the agency’s ratings and standards program. Among Energy Star’s objectives is increased market penetration of glass achieving insulating performance of R-10 an objective achieved by Heat Mirror technology today. According to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) which sets standards for window energy efficiency, 64% of the 110 million existing homes in the United States have single-pane windows. this contributes 25%-35% of the total energy wasted in buildings and 10% of the total carbon emissions in the United States annually.
Lets hope the general public realizes the value of investing in products that improve the comfort level of their homes and offices as well as improve the environment and the air we breath.
Geothermal systems use a sealed underground piping loop filled with circulating water and an ultra high-efficiency Tranquility heat pump to exchange heat between the home and the earth. In all seasons, nearly free hot water is provided whenever the system is in use.
In the winter the earth is the source of heat. Water circulating in the piping loop absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the heat pump, where it is concentrated and sent as warm, comfortable air throughout the home.
In the summer, the earth is the source of cooling. The heat pump absorbs heat from the air in the home and transfers it to the piping loop where it is absorbed by the earth. This provides cool, dehumidified and comfortable air throughout the home.
Geothermal heat pumps offer the lowest carbon footprint of any HVAC technology. According to the US EPA, they are the most energy efficient environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today. This system is made by ClimateMaster.
