Energy Efficiency Trends Pop Up in '09 Parade of Homes in Idaho
By Levy, Ken
Home designers and builders are looking for more energy efficiency in practically every aspect of their homebuilding and design choices, according to John Seidl, who partners with sister Sarah in Seidl Homes, Boise.
Seidl, chairman of the annual Parade of Homes, is also the vice president and secretary of the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho.
The price range for homes in the 2009 Parade, held April 25 to May 10, was smaller and more affordable this year than in the past, said Seidl.
'We're evolving away from some of the enormous homes into something a little bit smaller and more energy efficient,' he said. 'We're seeing a trend to downsizing, making spaces a little smaller and making them more affordable.'
Seidl said recycled materials are becoming more commonplace in new-home construction, as are Energy Star-rated appliances, heating and air conditioning, insulation and other materials.
Energy Star homes get more insulation and are more weather-tight so there isn't as much air infiltration, Seidl said. Water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners are more energy-stingy, and ducts are sealed.
'Windows are much more energy efficient, and we're using energy- efficient appliances and lighting, including CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs. (Homes) aren't using as much electricity or natural gas for heating and cooling,' he said.
More hardwood, bamboo and engineered products using recycled materials are becoming prevalent. Insulation and countertops are among the available recycled materials more commonly used.
Paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds, which can release gases into the air) are recycled, along with carpet pads and carpets. In some cases, 'recycled glass bottles are broken down and then turned into countertops,' he said. 'They look like granites and marbles.'
As these kinds of elements become more popular, prices will continue to come down, said Seidl.
'Builders are out there recycling. A lot of materials went straight to the landfill. Now there's wood recycling, metal and plastics, and builders are making a conscious decision to do that.'
Building in energy efficiency adds to the cost of the home but pays for itself over time through energy cost savings over the life of the house.
'As we're doing more of it, prices come down. Not as many people used to use 90-percent-efficient furnaces,. he said.'
Architects, designers and builders are also looking at placement of windows for solar gain or loss. They're also seeking new design elements not usually seen in local construction, Seidl said.
'Things that we haven't seen in the valley, designers go out and look for and find, such as new glass tiles, new styles of granite and marble, sinks and appliances,' he said, noting that tuscany and neo-traditional designs could become more prevalent in the valley.
Credit: Ken Levy
(Copyright 2009 Dolan Media Newswires)
(c) 2009 Idaho Business Review, The. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved."
Link
No comments:
Post a Comment