Insulation materials are rated according to their ability to resist heat flow. The thermal resistance rating is known as an "R-value". The higher the R-value of a material, the better its ability to resist heat flow.
Most new homes are insulated with fiberglass batt insulation. However, improper installation of the fiberglass batts can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Gaps or voids can provide paths through which heat and air can easily flow into or out of the home. Compressing the insulation … (0 comments)
energy efficient building: A tightly sealed building envelope is key to building an energy-efficient home
- 08/11/10 10:53 AM
The boundary between the conditioned, indoor living spaces and the unconditioned and outdoor spaces is referred to as the "building envelope" and consists of the walls, floor, and ceiling or roof. An airtight building envelope contributes directly to the energy efficiency and comfort of a home. Air leakage accounts for 25 percent to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling and also reduces the effectiveness of other energy-efficiency measures such as increased insulation and high-performance windows. Thus, a tightly sealed house envelope results in lower utility bills. There are hundreds of penetrations through a typical home's building envelope. These … (1 comments)
energy efficient building: Advanced framing techniques increase energy-efficiency
- 07/16/10 04:01 PM
An effective building envelope - the first floor, exterior walls, and roof - is a key element for an energy-efficient home. Advanced framing techniques increase efficiency and comfort while decreasing costs. Most homes in Boise are framed with wood and wood loses or gains heat more quickly than insulation. In wood frame construction, studs, joists and rafters are placed at regular intervals throughout the building envelope. Standard construction practice places these framing members at 16 inches on center. The cavities formed by the framing members are filled with insulation. Standard construction practice at exterior corners and at the intersection of interior … (1 comments)
energy efficient building: Building an energy-efficient home in Boise, Idaho
- 07/07/10 05:05 PM
The 2010 AVID Home Design Driver Research Survey showed that the majority of home buyers rated energy efficiency as a "Must Have" for their new homes. Although Boise and southwestern Idaho have some of the lowest power rates in the nation, home buyers still want their new homes to be energy efficient.
How do you build an energy-efficient home in Boise, Idaho and how much more does it cost? The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program has shown that new homes can be both energy efficient to live in and cost effective to build. In fact, the energy consumption … (1 comments)
Insulation is a key element in building a more comfortable and energy efficient home in Boise, Idaho or elsewhere.
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