Does Green Cost More?

2. Does Green Cost More? • Calculate ROI • Consider: • Initial cost • Seasonality • Tax benefit • Energy savings • Utility company rebates • Home resale value 44

3. DSIRE Database • Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiencies • Check out the DSIRE database for credits, incentives and rebates by state. • www.dsireusa.org 45

4. What Do I Need to Know? You don’t: You do: need to know how the systems contribute to the greenness of a home. affect a home’s economy. enhance living environment and comfort. • have to remember all of the technical details. 47

5. HVAC Ratings 48

6. System Ratings • Cooling and heating systems are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) • SEER is the most common performance rating. • Air conditioners must achieve a rating of 13 or higher. • Energy Star air conditioners must achieve a minimum rating of SEER 14 and 11 EER. 49

7. Rightsizing • Matching the capacity of the cooling unit to the size of the home • Considerations: • climate zone • day and nighttime temperatures • humidity levels • size and layout of the home • tightness of the building envelope • An over-capacity system will cool a home quickly, but will not adequately remove humidity. • Frequent cycles create temperature swings and cause wear and tear. 49

8. Cooling Systems—In Brief • Efficiency reduced • Green options • Energy Star Ratings • IAQ considerations • Programmable thermostat • Information sources 50

9. High-Efficiency Furnaces • More efficient, more costly • Costs vary – get multiple estimates • Different rating systems may confuse clients 51

10. Heating Systems—In Brief • Low efficiency (AFUE 68%–72%) • Mid efficiency (AFUE 80%–85) • High efficiency (90%–97%) • Potential energy wasters • Green options • Energy Star AFUE ratings • IAQ considerations • Energy-thrifty thermostat settings • Information sources 53

11. Green Choices 53

12. Rightsizing • Matching furnace capacity to home size and climate • Too small will not provide adequate heat. • Too large produces wide temperature swings plus wear and tear of frequent cycles. • Homeowners should look for contractors using software to right-size. 55

13. Active Solar Heating Hydronic systems Air systems Air is heated between a black glazing and collector, then a fan distributes the heat indoors. Air is a less efficient conductor of heat. • Uses liquid (water or antifreeze solution) as the radiant collector. • Works well with radiant flooring • Takes longer to heat but provides a constant temperature. 54

14. Passive Solar Heating 56

15. Trombe Wall • The space between the panes of a double pane glass wall is filled with water. • The water absorbs solar energy without blocking the benefit of natural illumination. 56

16. More Green Heating Choices *Image: www.energystar.gov 57

17. Geothermal Heating and Cooling • Provides one of the greatest energy savings. • Underground loops circulate liquid that absorbs (for heating) or relinquishes heat (for cooling). 59

18. Ventilation—Green Choices 60

19. Indoor airPlus • Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems impact indoor air quality. • The EPA Indoor airPLUS certified home is energy efficient, emits few greenhouse gases, and provides a healthy indoor air quality. 62

20. IEQ • The quality of the inside air and environment that affects the health, comfort, and performance of occupants; • Acoustics • Glare • Thermal comfort • Aesthetics • Controls 62

21. Incandescent, CFLs, LEDs 63

22. Light Bulb Ban? • Energy Independence and Security Act • Phase out the manufacturing of incandescent bulbs • Consumers are mixed: • CFLs: • Produce a cool light, • Have a delayed-on • Cost more • Contain mercury 64

23. Daylighting • An effective strategy balances illumination needs with thermal comfort. • Starts with initial home design including sunlight patterns and angle of the site. 65

24. Energy Star Appliances Benefits • Lower energy costs • Tax credits, incentives, and product rebates • Estimated savings: • Refrigerators—20% • Clothes washers—37% • Dehumidifiers—15% • Dishwashers—10% • Freezers—10% • Room air cleaners and purifiers—40% • Water heaters—10%–20% • Water coolers—45% 66

25. Make the right water heater choice with this online selector at www.energystar.gov Water Heater Selector • Many energy efficient, water-thrifty options. 68

26. Green Choices 68

27. EPA WaterSense • Promotes efficiency • Qualifies products, new homes • Decreases indoor and outdoor water usage • Helps consumers make water-efficient choices of products and services • Helps consumers adopt simple daily activities to reduce water usage • Establishes certification criteria • WaterSense homes can save up to 10,000 gallons of water a year 70

28. Greywater • Potable wastewater – reusable water from low-contamination uses like dishwashing, laundry, and bathing. • Requires dual plumbing system 71

29. Greywater Cautions • May be used in applications such as irrigation and toilet flushing. • Water may require treatment before reuse. • Treatment methods include: • Filtering • Disinfection • Settling tanks • Qualified professionals should be consulted. • Care should be taken for irrigation. 71

30. Water Management Outside—Green Choices  Outdoor Water Conservation 73