ENERGY STAR PROGRAMS The building industry accounts for up to 1/3 of the consumption of energy, water, and materials. In addition, it contributes the same percentage towards pollution. Trees are used to manufacture framing material, but a high percentage of this material ends up as waste. Construction materials, such as drywall, adhesives, and plastics end up in landfills and their ultimate breakdown is destructive to the surroundings. For this reason programs like Energy Star and LEED, although voluntary, are becoming more popular when homeowners are looking to have a house built. Both programs offer a list of energy saving materials for use in the home. Others items in the program are protective of the environment in the way they are manufactured, or in the materials used to make the product, therefore contributing twice to energy conservation. There are many products in each category that can be addressed, which some are listed below. The first blog will be the products that are best known under the Energy Star label. Following Energy Star, a future blog will be a list of products used in LEED. Each list includes the type of product and why it is compliant. While Energy Star compliance is required for LEED certification, not all the products listed have to be used to meet the compliance.
Thermostats: Normal thermostats have to be manually adjusted for the lifestyle changes during the day in the home. Programmable thermostats offer energy savings, since they can be set to meet your lifestyle requirements. For instance, you can have them turn up the heat before arriving home from work, or before waking in the morning. By adjusting your heat, or air conditioning to operate at a lower setting when you are not home, saves on energy bills.
Heaters: Energy Star Water heaters now have a quicker recovery rate to produce available hot water. Units are triple insulated, to keep the water hot when installed in unconditioned spaces, such as the basement. Some models offer additional items, such as self cleaning tubes, to fight lime deposits that decrease the operation of the elements. Gas units have energy conserving pilots for lower input. All of these items lead to additional savings on utility bills.
Washing Machines: Washing Machines meeting Energy Star requirements use less water than standard washers to achieve the same cleaning effect. In addition, some reduce the amount of drying time in the dryer, by creating a faster spin cycle, and leaving less water in the clothes. Clothes last longer when washers use a tumbling cleaning method, in lieu of agitation, which how some models are designed. And many use less electricity per load, some as little as 135-watt hours per load versus the standard 600-watt hours on a non Energy Star appliance.
Dishwashers: The same concept holds true in this appliance. It uses less water to get the job done, and uses less soap product when washing. Controls allow the user to choose heat for drying, or energy saving cycles for drying.
Refrigerators: Energy Star refrigerators use ½ as much energy as they did back in 1993. They now have high efficiency compressors, improved insulation and precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. Statistics actually state that replacing a refrigerator made before 1990, with a new, Energy Star model could save enough energy to light an average home for over 4 months.
Ranges: Ranges are more efficient in the way they cook food, using front controls to adjust the heat or flames. In addition, they give better control thru the panel, to allow the user to use the unit more efficiently. Control options available, such as self cleaning, without the use of harsh chemicals, is one way ranges have become more environmentally friendly. Ranges are insulated better, to keep the oven heat from escaping.
HVAC: Many manufacturers offer products in both heater and air conditioners that offer energy savings. This is where a homeowner can realize a large portion of their yearly savings, so HVAC systems are a critical area for both Energy Star and LEED homes. Systems need to be perfectly balanced, and provide the best comfort and highest efficiency. In addition, they add improved indoor quality and ultimately result in lower energy bills. The approved ones range from 13-18 seer (seasonal energy efficiency ratio), and gas furnaces are 90% + AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). In addition, ductwork installed in unconditioned spaces is insulated, trapping the flow inside the ductwork. Installing ductwork within insulated spaces controls the loss of energy.
Insulation: Lack of insulation is another one of the biggest factors that contributes to the loss of energy in a home. Both Energy Star and LEED identify this, and most of the insulation products available are rated Energy Star. Those meeting the “green effect” are items, such as recycled newspaper. Standard insulation products available are wall insulation, dropped ceiling insulation, blown in, and air wrap. Wrap, such as TYVEK, is a product that is water and air resistant, yet vapor permeable. It increases air and water resistance, which leads to lower heating and cooling costs.
Wall and ceiling insulation controls the loss of heat. Most of the type used for walls is batt insulation, although spray foam, or rigid form is used also. The attic is usually a shredded, blown-in insulation product. All these products are used in conjunction with the others, creating a tighter house envelope.
Caulking, Foam Aerosols: Caulking or foam are products used to seal openings where air enters or escapes. This is usually done around penetrations, such as HVAC, or electrical, thru either outside walls, or into unconditioned spaces, such as basements and attics. Aerosol is one of the newer products used to seal ductwork, where energy costs can be achieved by keeping the heat or air conditioning from escaping en-route to rooms in the home. Many on the market are labeled with the Energy Star logo, and some have the levels required for LEED installation.
Windows,Skylights: Energy Star windows and skylights have glass that act like a sunscreen for your home. They allow the light in, but protect your furniture, carpet, and wood floors from sun damage. Homeowners want the warming affects in the winter, to help cut down on energy costs, without sacrificing the damage. All energy rated efficient windows have 2 panes, although not all 2-pane windows fall into this category. Most of the Energy Star products are know as Low E, and are Argon or Krypton gas filled or are High performance glass windows. Many manufacturers now offer these windows, and they can be bought in materials from vinyl, to wood, giving the homeowner a great choice. Many of the Energy Star products can also be used in LEED construction.
Doors: Doors are critical, since they are one of the areas thru which a great amount of heat could escape. Doors rated Energy Star are better sealed doors, giving the homeowner greater comfort, and helping to lower energy bills. Doors with glass that are rated Energy Star have Low-E glass. Fiberglass doors are insulated 5 times greater than wood doors. In addition, they will not shrink or swell, keeping a tighter seal against the outside elements.
Resources
www.greenbuilding.com
www.greenbiz.com
www.oikos.com www.energystar.govwww.progresslighting.com
Table One - Certified Homes in Portland Metropolitan Area, 2009-2010
