Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
Builders enlist help from energy raters and performance consultants to create the most energy-efficient house plans. This process starts with the framing, by looking for gaps and holes which occur due to wood not being uniform.
In phase two, they check insulation to ensure there is enough and that all the walls and the attic are properly covered.
In the final phase, devices are used to perform a multitude of tests to measure the energy efficiency of the house before the homeowner closes on their new home. Many energy-efficiency problems can be fixed by the builder before the closing date.
In this video: See how involving an energy rater during the planning phase ensures an energy efficient outcome for a new home.
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
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.
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.