[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Earth Sheltered Homes

[Lawrence Lile]

> In addition, anyone who has used extensive remodeling on an existing, traditional home to transform into an energy efficient building.  Thank you.
  Loretta

Here's what I did to a 1950's tract home (the one they wrote the "ticky tacky houses" song about)
 
Replace the water heater with tankless
Furnace was already upgraded to decent efficiency when I bought it
Install high efficiency air conditioner
Install high efficiency filter on furnace
Have a company vacuum out all the dirt in the ductwork
Get rid of all carpets, refinish hardwood floors for cleanability
Attic was already overblown with insulation
Added 1.5" foam to exterior over existing siding, then Tyvek, then new siding.  I used Vinyl, which I'd never do again.  Hardiboard would have been a better choice
Caulk around exterior penetrations such as electrical entrance
Replace all exterior doors with insulated steel doors
Replace existing aluminum single pane windows with new double pane
Caulk with foam around windows
Install programmable thermostat and schedule it for night setback, daytime setback when we are at work
Replace all bulbs with compact fluorescent or regular 32W T8 fixtures
 
Keep all reciepts and utility bills for proof of these features to a future buyer
 
The things I didn't do, mostly for lack of time:
 
Insulate foundation wall with 2" foam from 36" below grade to 6" below framing.  Leave gap for termite inspection.
Knock out more window area on the South Wall for solar gain.  The Kitchen has a large South window, and it is noticeably warmer in the winter.
Add solar water preheater
 
I'm sure people can suggest plenty more items.  Windows, efficient equipment, insulation and night setback thermostat were probably the biggest bang for the buck.  Filters and cleanable floors make the place more allergen-free, but don't help energy efficiency at all.  
 
--Lawrence Lile
 
 
 
 

________________________________

From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org on behalf of Loretta
Sent: Mon 11/6/2006 9:58 PM
To: Greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [BULK] [Greenbuilding] Earth Sheltered Homes



Hello All,
  Has anyone in the group had any experience with Davis Caves or other alternative homebuilder working in the northern Illinois area?  I would be interested in any info you would like to share.  In addition, anyone who has used extensive remodeling on an existing, traditional home to transform into an energy efficient building.  Thank you.
  Loretta


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