Energy efficiency homes offer savings, quality and value

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: 1½-inch insulation duct wrap or ½-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.