A Better Blog

THE MODERN-DAY HOT WATER HEATER

Posted on December 5, 2011 by A Better House

The technology surrounding hot water heaters has greatly advanced in the last several years, and for the first time since the conception of the traditional water storage tank heater in the late 1800′s, consumers now have eco-friendly, energy-efficient options.

The most common alternative for both new construction and retro-fitting is the demand water heater, commonly referred to as the tankless water heater. Given that there is no storage tank, the tankless  water heater avoids heat loss incurred from standing water. Hot water flows as often and as long as needed, without having to wait for a tank to fill up. The flow rates are higher in gas powered tanks, making them the most desirable,  as they more easily accommodate simultaneous multiple uses.

Other benefits of tankless water heaters are their small size, life expectancy, and quality of output water. They take up a small fraction of space compared to the traditional tank water heater as they are simply and discreetly mounted on a wall. Standard heaters generally last 10 years, whereas tankless heaters are expected to last more than 20 years, with parts that are easy to access and replace. Every drop that flows through these heaters is fresh from the tap and has not been exposed to any rust or deposits that typically accumulate over time in traditional tank units. There are a few different brands of tankless water heaters available today, Noritz being the most sought after due to its quality and durability.

For those who can only utilize electric water heaters, a new product on the market is the GE GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater, which combines an energy-efficient heat pump with traditional heating elements.

A compressor and evaporator are integrated into the electric water heater unit and the evaporator draws in ambient heat from surrounding air using two variable speed fans. Condenser coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom to transfer this heat into the tank and heat the water.

An LED backlit electronic control panel, the first of its kind on any tank heater, displays an array of setting options, from an eHeat™ mode to a vacation setting. Overall, a 62% cost reduction is expected over the traditional electric water heater.  Utilizing the federal tax credit available, GeoSpring typically pays for itself in less than three years.

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FOUNDATIONS – Slab vs Crawl Space

Posted on November 1, 2011 by A Better House

Slab foundations and crawl spaces are the two most common options when determining a foundation as they seem to be the most cost-effective. But, are they really?  Depending on location and budget, a basement is also another option from which homebuilders have to choose.

Slab foundations are the least expensive as they require minimal digging, which, in turn, means less in labor and materials. The floors in homes built on this solid foundation are also much sturdier than their wooden counterparts. If walking on concrete is a concern, one might consider a wooden sub-floor. to provide a layer for shock absorption.  In slab foundations, all plumbing pipes and electrical wiring is embedded in the slab, which acts as an insulator and protects them from the elements

Some may argue that the floor on a slab is colder, however, if a waterproofing barrier is placed correctly under the slab, it provides a layer of air between the slab and the ground which insulates it and keeps it room temperature.  This is especially true when building with ICFs (insulated concrete forms) as the slab is poured inside the concrete walls, further insulating the floor from the elements.

Crawl spaces, usually not over four feet in height, are typically soil, which makes a vapor barrier absolutely crucial to prevent moisture from seeping in and promoting mold growth. When building an energy efficient house and trying to create a tight building envelope, a crawl space may not be the best option.  In order to stop air infiltration, the crawl space must also be insulated, otherwise the damp, unfiltered air is pulled into the house from the HVAC return and will seep in through the floors.  This additional  insulation means an increase in cost as well.

Additional exterior materials will also be needed when utilizing a crawl space (brick, stucco, siding) as well as added materials for building the walls on which the house resides.  If thinking about a crawl space, it would be wise to pay a bit more and install a full basement.  The increase in cost from a crawl space is not significantly more, but it will provide a significant increase in square footage which translates into additional living space and increased resale value.

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A BETTER HOUSE INC. BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON FIRST-EVER ICF MILITARY BARRACKS

Posted on September 13, 2011 by A Better House

A Better House, Inc., recently won the bid to construct the ICF exterior of the new barracks at Ft. Campbell, KY.  The plans consist of two buildings, one being three stories, 284’W by 124’L and approximately 50’ High, and the other being two stories, 265’W by 122’L and approximately 35’ High.  Contracted through Archer Western Contractors Ltd., A Better House, Inc., began its portion of the project this week and is expected to finish in approximately four months, with the anticipated completion of the entire project set for Fall of 2012.

“This is the first barracks that the Army Corps of Engineers has ever designed utilizing ICF forms.  We are excited to be working with them on this groundbreaking facility!” says Tim Hawbaker, CEO/President of A Better House, Inc.

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ICF CONSTRUCTION: GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Posted on August 30, 2011 by A Better House

When weighing the many benefits of insulated concrete form (ICF) homes, the primary focus tends to be on the more tangible financial aspects resulting from such energy-efficient construction.  While that is extremely noteworthy, another feature not to be discounted is the vast improvement in quality-of-life.  We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, therefore the substances with which we surround ourselves should be given a great deal of consideration. The healthier living environment created as a result of ICF construction is noticeably significant, especially to those who suffer from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, as all of those issues are alleviated.

ICF materials are the most hypo-allergenic available.  A common misconception regarding ICF blocks is that they are made of Styrofoam, though they are actually made from expanded polystyrene, which contains no chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s).  No organic materials are used, therefore it does not decay, degrade, or off-gas any volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Concrete is composed of recycled materials and natural minerals off-putting the least amount of VOC’s when compared to other construction resources.  Mold and mildew can only exist and grow on organic matter.  Given that ICF blocks contain no organic compounds, it is impossible for any mold or mildew to cultivate on such structures.  In and of itself, ICF construction promotes the healthiest indoor air quality, making it the most favorable alternative to traditional wood buildings.

In addition to its very makeup, ICF construction is the most effective in preventing outdoor allergens from penetrating the walls and getting trapped indoors.  The solid, poured concrete walls form an extremely tight seal, and the electronic recovery vents (ERV’s) installed allow a low-velocity flow of fresh air inside while exhausting an equal amount of stale air.  The amount of airflow is controlled, and pollen and various other irritants are filtered out, a feature particularly appreciated during summertime, thus creating a much more pleasant, breathable living space.   Even time spent dusting is greatly reduced!

While the bottom line is generally the first concern when even considering building a new home, quality of life on a daily basis should also be a top priority.  The advantages of ICF are unparalleled by any other construction methods and positively affect nearly every aspect of living, from physical health and safety to saving money through energy-efficiency.

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THANK YOU!

Posted on August 30, 2011 by A Better House

For the last ten years, we have attempted to keep our clients and loyal readers of our newsletters informed of the latest trends and information in the energy efficient market.  This month, I have decided to write a different article after attending the funeral of a friend.  I realized we have a tendency to take many things for granted, such as life itself.  Not only our lives, but those of other people including our spouses, family, friends, coworkers, and the smiling faces at the local Starbucks.  However, I realized it does not stop with people and possessions.  For instance, I consistently take my monthly utility bill for granted as well.  When I first started paying the utility bills on my ICF home, I would smile and be glad I wasn’t paying twice as much as my neighbors.  Since I built my house ten years ago, I went back to review my utility bills and realized I have saved over $30,000 in expenses, without accounting for inflation, interest earned, or interest not paid.  Amortized at 10% this would be $47,812.  This is a substantial amount which has allowed my family to take vacations and purchase items which normally we would not have been able to afford.

In the future, energy will become more of a luxury than ever before.  The cost of energy will continue to rise faster than wages and inflation.  The U.S. will see an electrical usage growth of approx. 2% each year.  Rapidly expanding countries, such as China, will triple their current usage over the next 15 years.  In the U.S. alone, this means we will be utilizing 50% more electricity in 2025 than in 2011.  Half of the electricity generated in America comes from coal plants, however, their pollutants can be extremely harmful.  Approximately 20% of electricity comes from nuclear plants, which create hazardous waste.  After Japan’s tragedy this year, we are all more aware than ever of the dangerous amount of unknowns involved in nuclear power.  In order to keep up with world-wide population growth and ensure a cleaner world in the future, energy must be harnessed from natural resources.  Furthermore, since we will continue to create products for our personal comfort which utilize electricity, we must analyze how to reduce our usage without eliminating our comfort and convenience.

The homes we build today are at least 50% more energy efficient than we were building ten years ago.  As our staff is well aware, we are a triple impact company.  Our homes actually have a financial, social and environmental impact.  We reduce expenses and energy consumption for our homeowners, infrastructure expenses for society and we have a positive effect on the environment.  We look forward to advances to increase our progress over the next ten years.

I would like to thank all of our past and current clients for forcing us to look into the future and allowing us to reduce your carbon footprint. Our clients continue to be well studied and very knowledgeable on energy efficiency.  I would also like to suggest, as energy bills continue to rapidly rise, not to take your monthly  utility bills for granted.  Be thankful you pay considerably less than your neighbors.

I appreciate all of you and thank you for your assistance in our company’s growth!

Tim J. Hawbaker

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