An insulations is an insulating resistance to heat transfer is what is called its R-Factor. The thicker the insulation, the higher the R-Factor, the more energy efficient the application. Not the most interesting part of a remodel. But a major factor in consuming less energy, saving money and soundproofing. In the walls we chose blown cellulose and shredded phone books. Blown cellulose is not right for every application, so in addition to that we also used recycled cotton (Blue Jeans). This gave us an R-Factor of ? In the Ceilings we utilized blown foam. It is rigid and fills every nook and cranny. It has an R-Factor approaching 40 and is fire resistant.
Even in relatively mild climates like ours, in San Francisco, a properly insulated home can have a massive impact on efficiency. Less energy to hear means less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced. If an average home pumps out 12-15 tons of CO2 per year, good insulation can lop 2-4 tons off that. If the house gains another 20 years of life from this remodel, that means 40 tons at a minimum not shot into the air.
I expect this home to love much more than 20 years and the total carbon savings to be more then 2 tons per year.
Formaldehye Free Insulation
One huge advantage of blown cellulose, shredded phone books and recycled cotton products is that they contain no Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used in most modern insulation and it can leech into the air and has the potential to make you and your kids sick. It is one of the main pollutants that made the survivors of Hurricane Katrina sick after they were relocated to cheap, poorly build trailers produced from formaldehyde-based products.
We used many different technologies when remodeling our first house. In the process, we learned that 30% of the energy created in California is used by residential consumers. That energy is produced by a variety of sources, but still predominately by burning fossil fuels. So here are some of the products we used.
Solar = Clean Electricity
The solar panels on the roof will provide 2.6 kilowatts of clean electricity. In tandem with energy star appliances and lighting the house will lower monthly the monthly energy bill. Clean electricity means that the energy is produced by a system other than a power provider, say a local utility company.
In the Loop
We used an integrated hot water tank / forced-air heating system. We chose The PHOENIX – a 97% efficient system. The hot water from the tank loops into the forced-air heater, and the heat is reused for the home. There are two cold air returns with filters on the ground floor that clean the air, and a hydronic air handle with an exterior intake valve that allows for complete interior air changes. Working in conjunction with the insulation, a system such this system provides exceptional heating with minimal energy use
Energy Star Lighting
We added LED lighting on the right side going up the stairs. LEDs use even less power then CFLs and they do not have any mercury so disposal is not a HazMat issue.
Natural Light
In the great room of the house we included a 4 foot round skylight which will provide natural light. We also included skylights in a hallway and above the staircase for to increase the natural light, and reduce the need for flipping on a switch.
Design for Energy Savings
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Energy Star Rated household appliances
- 97% efficient Phoenix water heater
- Multiple skylights
- Extreme Insulation
- Blown cellulose (from recycled phone books)
- Recycled cotton (from recycled denim)
- Spray foam
Sustainable Water
There are many ways that you can save water in your home
- Front loading washing machine
- Dual flush toilets
- 2.5 gallon per minute fixtures
- Low water landscaping
- Energy Star rated dishwasher