Sunday, October 10, 2010
Personal Connection
I never thought I would have a reason to do a blog, but now I realize that I really enjoyed the process. It is so rewarding to have my research in such a great format, and right there on the web for more inquiry in the future. I have definitely learned how to blog!!! I can't wait to see how much it will grow when we begin to build our home. I love to do research about lots of different things, but its so frustrating keeping up with magazines and websites, now I can just blog about what I like and its in one spot for future use without the clutter. ; )
Wishing
How did your project go? What were the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of the project? I think my inquiry went well considering I have limited time and I have never done a blog before. One good thing about my research is the large amount of information about green home construction, the bad thing is the large amount of information, and its a challenge to weed through it all. One big challenge I have is that it will be a couple of years before I build so what is going to be different and how much will I have to alter the decisions I have made so far.
Personal inquiry experiences are as different as the people who are conducting them. The main similarity of all inquiry experiences is the fact that we are asking and answering questions through research, and experiences of our own or others. I can see where some people may not want their inquiry to be available to others, but I hope that the research I do will help others in making decisions or in just getting excited about green home construction.
Personal inquiry experiences are as different as the people who are conducting them. The main similarity of all inquiry experiences is the fact that we are asking and answering questions through research, and experiences of our own or others. I can see where some people may not want their inquiry to be available to others, but I hope that the research I do will help others in making decisions or in just getting excited about green home construction.
Waving
How will you communicate your ideas to others? Who will you share your ideas with? I have told a lot of people about my blog. I hope many will begin to follow it and make suggestions and ask questions that I may not have considered.
Would people be interested in reading about your experiences on the web? I think some people may be interested, but "green" isn't for everyone. I would really like for followers to see that building energy efficient green homes is not any more trouble and in many cases its cheaper instead of more expensive than traditional building techniques.
Would people be interested in reading about your experiences on the web? I think some people may be interested, but "green" isn't for everyone. I would really like for followers to see that building energy efficient green homes is not any more trouble and in many cases its cheaper instead of more expensive than traditional building techniques.
Wrapping
I really enjoyed this inquiry because it gave me the opportunity to put my research in a place that I can come back to and continue to add information. I have been interested in "green" home construction for a long time, and I watch the shows on HGTV and I have even bought some magazines, but I have never recorded what I learned. Now I have.
What are possible ways this information could be used? Who needs to know about this? This inquiry/blog could be used by anyone interested in building or remodeling a home.
What did you create to package your findings? I'm going to create a powerpoint that shows pictures of the choices I made for my dream home.
Why is this information important to you? How will it be used? I want to build a home that will be energy efficient, and green while putting less pressure on our planet. By answering my research questions I have a better idea of how I can accomplish my goals.
How can you effectively convey your ideas to others? I think the most effective way to show my research is by continuing the blog, building the house, living in the house, and blog about the success rate of our energy efficient "green" home.
What are possible ways this information could be used? Who needs to know about this? This inquiry/blog could be used by anyone interested in building or remodeling a home.
What did you create to package your findings? I'm going to create a powerpoint that shows pictures of the choices I made for my dream home.
Why is this information important to you? How will it be used? I want to build a home that will be energy efficient, and green while putting less pressure on our planet. By answering my research questions I have a better idea of how I can accomplish my goals.
How can you effectively convey your ideas to others? I think the most effective way to show my research is by continuing the blog, building the house, living in the house, and blog about the success rate of our energy efficient "green" home.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Weaving
The process of doing research on building a "green" home has been interesting. I cannot wait to put all I learned into actual conversations when speaking with contractors and salespeople. The main points I covered in my blog were: siding (natural stone veneer), exterior walls (ICF's will make up the walls, and insulation), insulation, hvac, and solar panels. All my research yielded information that made it easy to make practical decisions except for the solar panels. I'm still not sure how many I will need, but I'm confident that it will be easy to figure out once I decide on the house plan and know how much electricity we will be using in our "green" energy efficient home. Some problems are impossible to solve without being in a real instead of imaginary situation.
How did you analyze and apply what you learned? Unfortunately I can't apply what I have learned so far because I'm not ready to build yet. I do want to continue to add to this blog in the future as I continue to read, research, and ask questions.
Did you discuss ideas with peers or family? My husband and I discuss our future home all the time. He of course is following my blog. I hope we can continue it together and add different ideas and thoughts on our future home. He wants to go "green" too but he's a little more realistic than me when it comes to what everything costs. I agree with him in some areas because I don't want a huge house payment, but I think if we plan carefully then we can make it work.
How did you connect your ideas and address your key questions? I was happy to find out that the stone exterior I want so bad will look great and also give us great heating and cooling benefits along with the ICF walls. I feel the choices I made during the inquiry will result in a great house that is not only "green" and energy efficient but beautiful.
Determine findings of merit. I think the most important part of the house that will make the most difference is the walls and siding. Now a days hvac units are very efficient even more so than units built 10 yrs ago so the geothermal doesn't have to be installed. The solar panels are not absolutely necessary because if we use energy efficient appliances and have the super insulated walls our power usage will be low. I guess the point I'm trying to make is to use as little power as possible and keep your heat and cool inside.
How did you analyze and apply what you learned? Unfortunately I can't apply what I have learned so far because I'm not ready to build yet. I do want to continue to add to this blog in the future as I continue to read, research, and ask questions.
Did you discuss ideas with peers or family? My husband and I discuss our future home all the time. He of course is following my blog. I hope we can continue it together and add different ideas and thoughts on our future home. He wants to go "green" too but he's a little more realistic than me when it comes to what everything costs. I agree with him in some areas because I don't want a huge house payment, but I think if we plan carefully then we can make it work.
How did you connect your ideas and address your key questions? I was happy to find out that the stone exterior I want so bad will look great and also give us great heating and cooling benefits along with the ICF walls. I feel the choices I made during the inquiry will result in a great house that is not only "green" and energy efficient but beautiful.
Determine findings of merit. I think the most important part of the house that will make the most difference is the walls and siding. Now a days hvac units are very efficient even more so than units built 10 yrs ago so the geothermal doesn't have to be installed. The solar panels are not absolutely necessary because if we use energy efficient appliances and have the super insulated walls our power usage will be low. I guess the point I'm trying to make is to use as little power as possible and keep your heat and cool inside.
Wiggling
There is so much information about "green" home building. Its almost overwhelming because I'm not sure how far I want to take this whole "green" thing. I know my husband will only let me take it so far because of the price involved so I can sure see an argument while building our "dream" home. I hope it doesn't turn into a nightmare! All the resources I found were very informative, practical, and unbiased. I did get upset about the solar panels not being able to support heat and a/c. I decided to look around a little more and there are some units that can be supported by solar. There isn't as much information on these units so I'm going to wait and see what happens in the next couple of years. Thankfully there are many "green" guidelines that contractors must follow to ensure the home will be considered "green" and earn all the government incentives that are available.
What did I do with the information? I wish I was currently building my house, but it will be awhile. So, I am going to keep doing my inquiry until I the time to build begins. Right now I have my blog to continue.
How did I evaluate the content, ideas, and perspectives? Since green has guidelines that must be followed the information I found was very unbiased and practical because there are regulations that must be followed.
What tools did I use? I really like the insolation map that showed the states and what kind of kWh can be achieved in the area you live in.
Evaluate information sources. Many of the sources were government websites which are very dependable and accurate. As I stated in the blog incentives and tax credits change so there is no telling what will be offered in two years.
What issues I had? The main issue I had was about the solar panels not supporting hvac. I did find a little info about hvac that is supported by solar but not much and it wasn't on any of the original sites I used; I had to do a search for solar hvac. There must not be many units in place or there would be more information .
What did I do with the information? I wish I was currently building my house, but it will be awhile. So, I am going to keep doing my inquiry until I the time to build begins. Right now I have my blog to continue.
How did I evaluate the content, ideas, and perspectives? Since green has guidelines that must be followed the information I found was very unbiased and practical because there are regulations that must be followed.
What tools did I use? I really like the insolation map that showed the states and what kind of kWh can be achieved in the area you live in.
Evaluate information sources. Many of the sources were government websites which are very dependable and accurate. As I stated in the blog incentives and tax credits change so there is no telling what will be offered in two years.
What issues I had? The main issue I had was about the solar panels not supporting hvac. I did find a little info about hvac that is supported by solar but not much and it wasn't on any of the original sites I used; I had to do a search for solar hvac. There must not be many units in place or there would be more information .
Webbing--solar cont.
I found a website gpsgenpartners.com (Green Power Switch-GPS). GPS offers a $1,000 start up incentive for new solar power homes. They also buy excess power for .15 cents kWh. Not bad, but I am really having a hard time understanding how all this works. I can't get too involved with solar decisions now because the prices, and incentives are changing so much. I do know that utility bills are going up every month and I want a home that is going to be as cheap as possible to operate.
Webbing--solar pice
Okay we gotta talk price.
"A general rule of thumb-small, single-PV systems that produce about 75 watts can cost about $900.00 installed, or $12 per watt. A 2-kilowatt (1 kilowatt=1,000 watts) system that meets most energy needs of an extremely energy-efficient home can cost $16,000-$20,000 installed, or $8-$10 per watt. A 5 kilowatt system that completely meets the energy needs of many conventional homes can cost $30,000-$40,000 installed or $6-$8 per watt." (trustyguides.com) So put all these prices in perspective: My last utility bill (8/10-9/11) was $189.30. We used 2189kWh of power. Our home is small (not even 1400 sq ft) and its not energy efficient other than the light bulbs. We used a lot of energy for a small house. That makes it even more important for us to realize what we need to have in our next home that will reduce our energy needs and make solar panels an option. I am thinking we will fall under the $16,000 - $20,000 range. We do need to realize that this is something we could install ourselves. My husband is very good at figuring anything our so maybe he can just do it. I'm sure he's gonna love that! : ) I am worried about not knowing how much energy we will be using since the house will be brand new. I guess we will have to have the house set up for solar, but use the electric company power for a few months so we will have an idea of house efficient the home is and then get the panels installed.
"A general rule of thumb-small, single-PV systems that produce about 75 watts can cost about $900.00 installed, or $12 per watt. A 2-kilowatt (1 kilowatt=1,000 watts) system that meets most energy needs of an extremely energy-efficient home can cost $16,000-$20,000 installed, or $8-$10 per watt. A 5 kilowatt system that completely meets the energy needs of many conventional homes can cost $30,000-$40,000 installed or $6-$8 per watt." (trustyguides.com) So put all these prices in perspective: My last utility bill (8/10-9/11) was $189.30. We used 2189kWh of power. Our home is small (not even 1400 sq ft) and its not energy efficient other than the light bulbs. We used a lot of energy for a small house. That makes it even more important for us to realize what we need to have in our next home that will reduce our energy needs and make solar panels an option. I am thinking we will fall under the $16,000 - $20,000 range. We do need to realize that this is something we could install ourselves. My husband is very good at figuring anything our so maybe he can just do it. I'm sure he's gonna love that! : ) I am worried about not knowing how much energy we will be using since the house will be brand new. I guess we will have to have the house set up for solar, but use the electric company power for a few months so we will have an idea of house efficient the home is and then get the panels installed.
Webbing--Solar Panels
I really want solar panels!!! There is a lot of information on them on the web. First of all Photovoltaic technology is the process of using the sun's energy to produce electricity. This energy can be used while being produced and the excess can be stored in batteries and used when the sun is no longer shining. Also, the panels must be positioned to get optimal exposure to the sun for as long as possible each day. Solar panels should face true south with a tilt angle equal to your latitude. (this is very confusing because you can also change the tilt depending on the time of year). Another important aspect of solar is the insolation of the area you are in. Insolation is the total number of hours per day that the solar panel will produce its rated output. Yes, I am confused!! I did check out the insolation map, and during January (weakest time of the year) solar panels would produce 4.0-4.5 kWh. Uh oh. Solar panels can't power heat and air conditioning? Why? Not sure I understand this. I guess this is why there is so much information about power companies buying excess power from people producing solar power. I'm not so worried about the heat because we will have a wood heater, but I have to have air in the summer. The website altestore.com does ensure the solar panels ability to support an 20 watt attic fan. With the type of external walls the house should be easier to keep cool and warm so I'm not really worried about the a/c or heat. Plus, if I'm getting a check from the electric company it should all balance out if I have to use electric company power a lot during the summer.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Webbing--geothermal
Geothermal contractors are available in Atlanta and Macon. I did some research on geosaves.com which is the website for Geothermal Energy Solutions, a geothermal contractor, located in Atlanta Georgia.
How does geothermal work? The system uses the average 55 degree temp of the earth to heat and cool the home. The water that the system uses is located five or more feet below the surface. It is much more efficient for a system to warm 55 degrees to 68 degrees than warming 35 degrees to 68 degrees. Also consider cooling, a traditional system has to cool the outside 100 degree air to 72 degrees where a geothermal system has an average of 55 degrees to work with. Geothermal is 50%-70% more efficient than HVAC systems. The initial price of geothermal is more than with traditional HVAC, but with the tax incentives offered, plus the monthly utility bill savings the price difference is not as large. There are one-time federal (30%) and state ($2,000 in GA) tax credits for homeowners who install geothermal systems. The EPA reports that geothermal systems have the lowest environmental impact compared to many other HVAC systems.
I really think this is worth doing not only for the environment, but for the pocketbook.
Qualitysmith.com helps me understand a little better about the cost of a geothermal system. The website talks about the average home, but doesn't say the size of the average home. I want to build a house around 1800 sq.ft. According to qualitysmith.com an average home needs three tons of heating capacity. Each ton of heating capacity costs $2500. which adds up to $7500. BUT, there is drilling involved that costs extra. The geothermal systems need wells or trenches for the piping that will access the 55 degree water. There are two types of loops to choose from, open or closed. Based on the website I'm looking at $1,000-$2,000 for the drilling and piping in addition to the $7,500. Total could be $9,500. This is in comparison to the $4,000 for a heat pump system, and we all know how well they don't work. Bottom line, if the cost of the geothermal is financed in with the mortgage over 30 years the payment would be about $30 more per month. All of this goes without taking into consideration the tax incentives and tax credits. After its all said and done the up front cost would be about the same, but the monthly power bill would be less than traditional and 50%-70% more efficient. If I do decide to use solar panels this would be even better because the efficiency of the system would aid in the efficiency of the solar panels.
How does geothermal work? The system uses the average 55 degree temp of the earth to heat and cool the home. The water that the system uses is located five or more feet below the surface. It is much more efficient for a system to warm 55 degrees to 68 degrees than warming 35 degrees to 68 degrees. Also consider cooling, a traditional system has to cool the outside 100 degree air to 72 degrees where a geothermal system has an average of 55 degrees to work with. Geothermal is 50%-70% more efficient than HVAC systems. The initial price of geothermal is more than with traditional HVAC, but with the tax incentives offered, plus the monthly utility bill savings the price difference is not as large. There are one-time federal (30%) and state ($2,000 in GA) tax credits for homeowners who install geothermal systems. The EPA reports that geothermal systems have the lowest environmental impact compared to many other HVAC systems.
I really think this is worth doing not only for the environment, but for the pocketbook.
Qualitysmith.com helps me understand a little better about the cost of a geothermal system. The website talks about the average home, but doesn't say the size of the average home. I want to build a house around 1800 sq.ft. According to qualitysmith.com an average home needs three tons of heating capacity. Each ton of heating capacity costs $2500. which adds up to $7500. BUT, there is drilling involved that costs extra. The geothermal systems need wells or trenches for the piping that will access the 55 degree water. There are two types of loops to choose from, open or closed. Based on the website I'm looking at $1,000-$2,000 for the drilling and piping in addition to the $7,500. Total could be $9,500. This is in comparison to the $4,000 for a heat pump system, and we all know how well they don't work. Bottom line, if the cost of the geothermal is financed in with the mortgage over 30 years the payment would be about $30 more per month. All of this goes without taking into consideration the tax incentives and tax credits. After its all said and done the up front cost would be about the same, but the monthly power bill would be less than traditional and 50%-70% more efficient. If I do decide to use solar panels this would be even better because the efficiency of the system would aid in the efficiency of the solar panels.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Webbing continued once more
After thinking about the exterior walls I feel like the ICF's are my best bet. I really want a natural stone exterior and I think this would be the best framing to get that stone. Plus, with ICF's I don't have to worry about insulation! When I do build I would like to check into using recycled concrete to decrease the amount of CO2 produced.
So after a lot of researching (webbing) and pondering I have my framing (ICF's), insulation (part of ICF's), and siding (stone) decisions made. WOOHOO-it wasn't as difficult as I thought. Now, I need to figure out about heating and cooling (HVAC) and solar panels.
So after a lot of researching (webbing) and pondering I have my framing (ICF's), insulation (part of ICF's), and siding (stone) decisions made. WOOHOO-it wasn't as difficult as I thought. Now, I need to figure out about heating and cooling (HVAC) and solar panels.
Webbing continued again
I found a new website--goodtobegreen.com. There is so much information on this website. I really like the list that shows the "green" exterior wall options. Please see below.
1. Advanced Framing (I have never heard of this before, but I want to check into this later because I also want to build a barn that is like the ones that were built a long time ago, you know made from wood and painted red with a little hay loft. I know I am a dreamer, there is no telling what that would cost, but maybe we could build a small one ; )
a. eliminates the use of wood by 30% in walls
b. more area for insulation
c. improved energy performance
d. negative--advanced framing still puts a strain on our forest resources.
2. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
a. forms that are blocks or panels that interlock
b. these forms are filled with concrete
c. forms provide insulation and sound barrier
d. forms also provide a backing for interior drywall and exterior sides, bricks, or stucco.
e. high thermal mass which protect the interior from extreme exterior conditions (hot or cold)
f. 25%-50% energy savings
g. little or no maintenance
h. recycled concrete is available for use
i. negative--additions and expansions can be difficult with ICF's
j. negative--the production of cement produces CO2
3. Engineered Wood
a. Engineered wood is made from chippings of small dimension fast growing timber(I'm thinking of particle board)
b. this fast growing timber, Aspen and Poplar, reduces the need for old growth timber
c. flawed wood can also be recycled into engineered wood
d. negative--glue used to hold the chippings together could pose health risks
e. negative--difficult to recycle
4. Steel
a. typically 25% recycled content in steel framing, but 100% recycled product is available
b. can be recycled
c. negative--major heat loss through steel studs
d. negative--cannot be used for the exterior walls without insulated foam sheeting
5. Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
a. panels have a foam insulation core surrounded by oriented strand board (OSB), or agriculture fiber cores like wheat straw
b. very little air leakage
c. SIP are efficient and strong
d. negative--non-formaldehyde polyurethane binders must be used to prevent off gassing
e. negative--petrochemical-based cores should be avoided (I don't think I want e or d in my house!)
Okay, I have a lot to think about. I guess webbing will continue again soon.
1. Advanced Framing (I have never heard of this before, but I want to check into this later because I also want to build a barn that is like the ones that were built a long time ago, you know made from wood and painted red with a little hay loft. I know I am a dreamer, there is no telling what that would cost, but maybe we could build a small one ; )
a. eliminates the use of wood by 30% in walls
b. more area for insulation
c. improved energy performance
d. negative--advanced framing still puts a strain on our forest resources.
2. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
a. forms that are blocks or panels that interlock
b. these forms are filled with concrete
c. forms provide insulation and sound barrier
d. forms also provide a backing for interior drywall and exterior sides, bricks, or stucco.
e. high thermal mass which protect the interior from extreme exterior conditions (hot or cold)
f. 25%-50% energy savings
g. little or no maintenance
h. recycled concrete is available for use
i. negative--additions and expansions can be difficult with ICF's
j. negative--the production of cement produces CO2
3. Engineered Wood
a. Engineered wood is made from chippings of small dimension fast growing timber(I'm thinking of particle board)
b. this fast growing timber, Aspen and Poplar, reduces the need for old growth timber
c. flawed wood can also be recycled into engineered wood
d. negative--glue used to hold the chippings together could pose health risks
e. negative--difficult to recycle
4. Steel
a. typically 25% recycled content in steel framing, but 100% recycled product is available
b. can be recycled
c. negative--major heat loss through steel studs
d. negative--cannot be used for the exterior walls without insulated foam sheeting
5. Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
a. panels have a foam insulation core surrounded by oriented strand board (OSB), or agriculture fiber cores like wheat straw
b. very little air leakage
c. SIP are efficient and strong
d. negative--non-formaldehyde polyurethane binders must be used to prevent off gassing
e. negative--petrochemical-based cores should be avoided (I don't think I want e or d in my house!)
Okay, I have a lot to think about. I guess webbing will continue again soon.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
WEBBING continued
I checked out the website greenbuildingadvisor.com and learned a lot about wall systems. Exterior walls need to support the floors, walls, and roof, but they also protect the inside of your home. Wood frame walls are the most used form of exterior wall and according to the Green Building Advisor masonry walls are way behind in the choice of home builders (my guess is because of the $). Even though we can't see inside our walls the products we choose will be a part of the house as long as its there and a part of our lives as long as we live there.
I keep seeing the acronym LEED. What does LEED mean? It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is a residential green building program.
I decide to do a little more research so I can understand all these acronyms that are floating around. I go to the website USGBC.org which stands for U.S. Green Building Council. This nonprofit organization offers certification, workshops, reference guides, green building research, and newsletters. LEED certifications shows that the building was built in a way that follows the sustainable green building practices required to be LEED certified.
LEED has certification fro neighborhood development, commercial interiors, core and shell, new construction, schools, health care, and retail. Pretty cool huh? USGBC offers a book this a LEED for homes reference guide. This book is $100.00. I don't think I'm going to buy this now. There is a FAQ for homeowners--http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3912. Oh by the way don't think all this certification stuff is free! $300 for non-members and $225 for members to have their home LEED certified. This website also has a checklist, but I can't open it on my computer. All of this information is great, but I want to read about products and prices. There is a lot of information, but to me its a little haphazard. I guess that is why most people use an experienced contractor.
I keep seeing the acronym LEED. What does LEED mean? It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is a residential green building program.
I decide to do a little more research so I can understand all these acronyms that are floating around. I go to the website USGBC.org which stands for U.S. Green Building Council. This nonprofit organization offers certification, workshops, reference guides, green building research, and newsletters. LEED certifications shows that the building was built in a way that follows the sustainable green building practices required to be LEED certified.
LEED has certification fro neighborhood development, commercial interiors, core and shell, new construction, schools, health care, and retail. Pretty cool huh? USGBC offers a book this a LEED for homes reference guide. This book is $100.00. I don't think I'm going to buy this now. There is a FAQ for homeowners--http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3912. Oh by the way don't think all this certification stuff is free! $300 for non-members and $225 for members to have their home LEED certified. This website also has a checklist, but I can't open it on my computer. All of this information is great, but I want to read about products and prices. There is a lot of information, but to me its a little haphazard. I guess that is why most people use an experienced contractor.
Webbing
Exterior walls are my first webbing task. I don't know if any of you remember but I really like the idea of having stone exterior walls. Well, unfortunately they aren't very common. I have seen lots of homes with stone accents, but not many newer homes with the entire exterior walls constructed of stone. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about consider the buildings located in Indian Springs (Jackson, Ga). These stones were quarried from the Stone Mountain area. Monticello even has several building built from those same type granite stones. I am going to try to get a picture of this great house that I have always loved. This house actually looks a lot like what I want in my home one day. Anyway, it has been a challenge to figure out about the stone so I think I am just going to assume that the exterior wall system needs to be able to support stone because that is really what I want. My contractor friend assures me that the stone veneer will look great!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)