Green home construction
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
A Trombe (TROM-bee) wall is a passive solar device consisting of a thick sun-facing masonry wall (thermal mass) to absorb the sun's energy, combined with an air space and insulated glass. It was developed in the 1950s by Felix Trombe.
While the sun is shining, optical energy travels through and is trapped beneath the glass and absorbed by the masonry wall. The energy stored in the wall is then released slowly to the interior of the building when the sun is no longer shining. Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
During the summertime when heating energy isn't needed, the sun is higher in the sky and usually a Trombe wall has an overhang on it. The sun hits that overhang and bounces back rather than being collected and dispersed by the masonry wall.
In this video: A homeowner with a trombe wall discusses how it works and helps improve the comfort of her home.
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
Check out a new neighborhood concept and see how one builder is changing the way homes are built with a goal to use zero energy.
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You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.
Using universal design principals, your home can adapt to your changing lifestyle needs.
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.