ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTS

* GREEN BUILDING

In 1970, the average U.S. house was 1,500 sq. ft. Today, it is 2,500 sq. ft., two-thirds larger. Nearly one-third of all households have three cars or more, with 80% increase in road travel, that is almost 9 million barrels of gasoline daily or 43% of total global daily gasoline consumption in the U.S.

Green Tips for Energy Efficient Comfort

A temperature does not change unless it is attracted to a temperature of greater or lesser value. Infiltration of outside air can be mostly prevented with a few improvements that will save you dollars and comfort for years to come.

a. Trees, shutters, and roof overhangs (shade) can cut the temperature by as much as 20 degrees 0F.

b. Insulated low-e windows installed will cut energy cost.

c. Ceiling fans mix and move air, keeping the room more comfortable with less A/C power.

d. Insulation properly installed in walls, under floor and attic will help prevent heat gain into the core of your house. Seal and caulk around outlets, door and windows. Wet sprayed cellulous insulation is ideal at 27% higher cost, but paid back in short time.

e. Install reflective foil in rafters and lighter color shingles also help prevent heat gain.

f. Install energy efficient appliances and air condition system with fresh air economizer equipment. Not only you will save money but you will be adding security for your family.

g. Install a gray water system, giving you double use of your water.

h. Install tankless hot water heater. A 25% more upfront cost worth it.

i. For south and west facing walls use minimum 2x6 studs or apply another façade wall architecturally designed in front of the existing wall. This will give a fresh architectural look to your house while saving your dollars lost from heat gain, plus 30% increase value in curb appeal.



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NEW GREEN PRODUCTS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTS

* CONCERNS

Energy consumed by homes tripled from 1950 to 2006. U.S. currently imports about two-thirds of the oil it consumes and 69 percent of this oil is used for transportation. However, 2.9 billion gallons of fuel per year are wasted by vehicles sitting in traffic. The U.S. generates 5.8 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2006 or 45% of the world’s green house gas emissions with only one-third of the world’s cars. CO2 emissions in un-developing countries will increase at a rate three times that of developed countries.


* ELECTRICITY

In 1950, the average household used 1,584 kilowatt hours per year and today, the average use is 11,840 kilowatt hours a year. Global electricity usage will rise by 36.2 percent by 2030. The U.S. average homes use of electricity is consumed by: lights and appliances (24%), refrigeration (5%), air conditioning (16%), personal computers (1.5%) and television (7.4%).





* FUEL

In 1950, the average household used 6 quadrillion BTUs per year and today, the average use is plus 21 quadrillion BTUs. The average U.S. household spends (+/-) $1,500 a year on utility bills with much of the energy wasted. Furnace accounts for 47% and 17% for water heater usage.

* WATER

70% of the world’s water consumption per day goes toward agriculture. By 2025, 2.8 billion people in 48 countries will live in water stress areas. In the U.S., two-thirds of the water used goes toward irrigation versus 40% today and within six years, 36 states are expected to be strapped for water. The average U.S. household uses 150 gallons of water per person per day. (The energy required to distribute and treat water is the country’s greatest consumer of electricity... enough to power 5 million households per day.)

* HOUSES

Generate 21% of CO2 emissions, the atmospheric concentration of gas, altering all ecosystems. World forests are getting reduced on average by 60,000 kilometers per year and deforestation accounts for one-fifth of annual CO2 emissions.

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NEW GREEN PRODUCTS

 NEW GREEN PRODUCTS

• Vinotemp Company has introduced a cooling device with a capacity of up to 1.500 C.F. called WINE-MATE #WM- 6500DS. As self contained unit that can be installed thru the wall or a remote unit and requires no refrigeration specialist, (800) 777-8466.
• Mr. Bamboo offers a 100% strand-woven floating bamboo flooring with interlocking feature. Available in 2, 4 & 6 ft. lengths and natural or caramel color, (888) 672-2628.
• Reduce the heat gain on your roof by 15 degrees with the “Cool Roof Solaris Shingles” by Certain Teed. Available in five hue colors, (800) 233-8990.
• Roseburg offers green wood products made without urea formaldehyde and are FSC certified the “Sky Blend” line comes in veneer, particle board and hardwood panels. Vesta and Timber products company also offer MDF, veneer and hardwood products free of urea formaldehyde approved by CARB (California Air Resource Board).
• Save 39% over the R-value of regular siding with the cedar board insulated by Certain Teed, (800) 233-8990.
• Eco Batt Insulation has organic material that gives up to 70% less energy-intensive penetration than traditional insulation by Knauf, (800)825-4434.
• MOEN features a line of water saving fixtures. Model #6306 shower head has a flow rate of 1.75 GPM but with the same spraying force as regular head. Chrome or oil rubbed bronze, (800)465-6130.
• Metal Tile – a time saving, cost saving alternative to mosaic tilework. Stainless steel pieces in various patterns come in 12” x 12” sheets, available in numerous colors. By Outwater, www.outwater.com.

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TAKE NOTE INTERIOR DESIGNERS

TAKE NOTE INTERIOR DESIGNERS

April 22, 2010 has come and gone, and now all of us are required by law to abide by the new EPA rules when doing redesign, remodeling, renovating or painting (PRE-1978 STRUCTURES). CAUTION: If you are painting an area over 6 sq. ft., it is required that you first check the home for lead based paint. A qualified lead tester (inspector) is required. Their fee is around $200 - $350, subject to the size of your project to be tested. If lead is discovered in the old paints, you are required to contract with a certified EPA renovator. The whole process will increase your project cost, approximately 15% more than initially figured. However, it is not worth the risk not to follow the Federal government rules. Consider civil penalties of up to $32,500 for each violation. And if you know and willfully violate this regulation, you are subject to an additional $32,500 or more or imprisonment. The RRP rule will be enforced not to mention your clients’ knowledge about it that can further hinder final payment. So be lead safe, protect your client, your helpers and the future of your business (Read the Painting Program Final Rule – 40 CFR Part 745). Make sure you hand out the pamphlet “Renovate Right” to your client; prior to start of the project and get a signed receipt that they received it. The contractor must use a HEPA 
vac and wash down with wet cloths all plastic and surfaces, windows, walls, etc. three times.

Percentage of homes likely to contain lead.

24% homes built between 1960-1976

 69% homes built between 1940-1960

87% homes built before 1940

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