DIY Network

	HOME BUILDING Index
	Custom Homes Electrical Systems & Wiring Garages, Basements & Attics Heating & Cooling Home Exterior Home Interior Inspections & Codes Insulation and Energy Efficiency Plumbing Rooms Sewerage & Septic Systems Site Preparation Other

BEST OF HOME BUILDING

Best Built Zone
Home IQ
Heck of a Deck
Weekend Projects
Home Renovations
Be Your Own Contractor

SPONSOR LINKS

Bright Savings

From "Best Built Home"
episode DBBH-104F

With the "integrated" building approach a home's structure is efficient and the house uses less energy while heating and cooling. But there are other ways to increase efficiency. In this segment, Michael Dickens from Build IQ takes host Lynda Lyday through a discussion of better lighting options and explains the differences between fluorescent versus incandescent -- including their brightness and color. Using a wattage meter they see how much more energy the incandescent uses. Another big energy waster in the house is the hot water heater. Michael shows Lynda a tankless hot water heater and explains how it can be much more efficient than traditional water heaters.

Michael Dickens (seen here with host Lynda Lyday) explains the importance of your lighting and water-heater choices in your new home.

Some things you'll see in all energy-efficient homes include better appliances and lighting. These particular choices are a huge part of your home's efficiency, and the nice part is that any builder can handle this.

According to Michael you have to start first, when tying to create an energy-efficient home, by looking at the "complete thermal shell" -- if you have a nice, tight structure, insulate well, use Low-e windows, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment you're off to a good start.

Here are some suggestions from Michael:

The next thing is to look at your appliances. For example, take note of the Energy Guide label (figure A) on the water heater and the efficiency and how much it will cost to use. Water heaters can use a lot of energy, which is why it's vital to choose one with a high-performance level.
Another step is to consider the option of a tankless water heater (figure B) when you need the water heated right here and now. Cold water comes in over the gas burner and the heat exchanger imparts heat into the water onto the faucet.
When it comes to lighting consider using the newer compact fluorescent bulbs (figure C -- seen on right) will save in power usage. In fact, he tested on-air the power of a regular incandescent light bulb (52 watts of power) versus the fluorescent bulb (12 watts of power) -- an 80-percent savings.