Choosing energy-smart products
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs), also called foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are sheets of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or another type of composition wood.
Unlike traditional wood construction, SIPs use no studs in the construction process. These strong, super-insulated structural building components can be used for floors, walls and roof.
In this video: An industry expert demonstrates SIPs and how they can integrate into your home.
SIPs also offer a few more advantages over standard framing:
Older types of SIPs did have concerns with fire safety and insect damage, but improved manufacturing techniques, along with proper installation, have eliminated the problems.
While SIPs cost more than traditional building materials, they require less labor to install, making the total construction cost about the same.
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.
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.
A preservation expert shares how to restore an older home economically and energy efficiently.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.
You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.