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Below is a guideline to help you every step of the way as
you construct your new home. Remember, scrimping on things such
as extra insulation, high-efficiency windows and an
energy-efficient heat pump in favor of more expensive cabinets
will cost more in the long run through higher utility bills and
an uncomfortable home!
Lot
Selection:
Average: Whatever you can get.
Good: Less glass facing east and west
Best: Most glass facing south with shading on the west.
Note: Do not build or landscape to
allow water to stand under the house!
Wall
Insulation:
Average: R-11
Good: R-13 (even behind the shower stall)
Best: R-15 or R-19 in kneeboards
Additional upgrades: Foam sheathing or foil-faced foam. Use
modified design instead of standard “Ts” and corners.
Ceiling
Insulation:
Average: R-24
Good: R-30 over the entire attic
Best: R-38 and minimum R-30 in cathedral areas
Note: Check for correct number of bags if blown insulation is
used. Use R-19 or more in kneewalls.
Air
Infiltration:
Average: Holes everywhere
Good: Caulk all holes when plumbing and electrical wires
penetrate the building on inside and outside walls, ceiling and
floor. Caulk and seal around all window and door casings.
Best: Caulk and seal the sold plate of the wall. Attic
access should be located outside or sealed.
Additional upgrades: Use a house wrap properly sealed with tape
and glue or other methods of sealing the wall system.
Floor
Insulation:
Average: None
Good: R-11
Best: R-19
Note: Keep floor insulation one foot from all plumbing
penetrations.
Windows:
Average: Double pane metal frame.
Good: Double pane with vinyl, wood or thermally improved
metal frame.
Best: Windows with U value lower than .50.
Additional upgrades: Low E glass, gas filled, fewer windows on
all sides but south.
Water
Heater:
Average: Whatever is cheapest.
Good: Add insulation or buy higher efficiency water
heater.
Best: lifetime water heater.
Additional upgrades: set on piece of foam board, use drip pan,
desuperheater or heat pump water heater. Locate inside if
electric.
HVAC:
Average: Whatever is cheapest
Good: 14 SEER/7.5 HSPF heat pump
Best: higher efficiency, including variable speed heat
pumps.
Additional upgrade: Geothermal heat pump with desuperheater for
hot water recovery.
Ductwork:
Average: 1˝-inch insulation duct wrap or ˝-inch
duct liner with plenty of leaks.
Good: 2-inch insulation duct wrap or 1-inch duct liner
for supply and return ductwork.
Best: Good plus seal all joints with duct mastic or
mastic tape.
Additional upgrade: Keep as much of the ductwork as possible out
of the attic.
Air
handler and ductwork location:
Average: Located in attic or outside.
Good: Located in crawl space.
Best: Located in conditioned space.
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