Klondike Contracting » energy efficient

Energy Star Appliances: What Does the Label Mean?

Jacqueline Pasquali — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:56:31 +0000

The Energy Star logo is placed on consumer products that are considered to be energy efficient by international standards. The Energy Star program was established by the Clinton Administration in 1992 for US consumers and has now become an international sign of energy efficiency. Products that carry the Energy Star Label use 20-30% less energy than required by federal standards.

Do all Energy Star Appliances carry a standard percentage of energy savings?

No, different types of appliances use significantly different amounts of energy to begin with and perform varying types of functions. An easy example is a fridge, whose energy use depends on how low or high you set the cooling temperature. Whereas a less obvious example is a washing machine, whose energy consumption can be greatly increased by using hot water instead of cold. To further demonstrate my point, to be given the Energy Star Logo refrigerators must be at 30% more energy efficient than federal standards whereas washing machines only have to reduce their energy use by 10%. This means that overall the washing machine is a more efficient appliance, as it only uses energy when it is turned on, and therefore, requires less of a reduction in energy consumption because of it!

When you buy an Energy Star Appliance, are you always guaranteed to be getting the most energy efficient product?

Unfortunately no, while the Energy Star Logo will always mean the appliance is more efficient than energy guidelines, it doesn’t always mean you are getting the most efficient product. Energy Star doesn’t always realize that energy savings can be had in more ways than reducing size and capacity, such as having a slightly larger product that more people can share.

Is the Logo worth it?

Like all energy saving appliances, they save you money-so yes, it is worth it. But….do your homework get a product that suits your needs and lifestyle. An appliance that is most suitable for a family of 4 is necessarily the most suitable energy efficient appliance for a bachelor.

Time to Re-Roof?

Brian Herbst — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:22:36 +0000

Roofs are long-term investments that will affect the value of your home. As such, time and careful consideration is required when you are planning you roof project. The types of materials used is one thing to keep in mind but equally important is hiring a qualified contractor. The key to this is to ask the right questions.

Are they certified installers and covered under the warranty plan of the roofing product?
Are they fully licensed in your area to perform roofing work?
Are they adequately insured for your protection?
Do they have a proven track record for providing quality roofing?
Do they treat the roof as an integrated system?

Roofing materials vary so when you are deciding which product to use, consider the overall style and look of your house that will fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood. Ask your contractor to provide locations they have completed for examples. For a comparison of different roof materials, click here.

Beyond the aesthetics, a good roof is well ventilated and insulated. This will reduce heat build-up, moisture and condensation, weather infiltration and ice dam build-up. Poor ventilation can ruin your insulation, destroy shingles, and raise your energy bills.

Waterproofing underlayments (ice & water shield) should always be used in valleys, on ridges, at eves and around chimneys and skylights. On low pitch roofs, the entire roof should be covered with ice and water shield prior to installation of shingles.

One thing to ask your contractor about is warranty coverage against material defects as compared to labour defects.

Reroofing signs to look out for:

leakage in attic after wind/rain
blistering and/or peeling of interior and/or exterior paint
stains on interior ceilings and walls and/or mildew growth
decay of roof shingles, sheathing, and/or siding
missing, cracked or curled shingles
dark/dirty-looking areas on your roof
excessive energy costs

As an added energy saving bonus, if you are reroofing, consider installing solar panels. It is more cost effective to install solar panels when you are already renovating rather than it being the stand-alone project.

For more on this please read, Shell Busey’s article.

Insulation = Increased energy efficiency & sustainable design

Klondike Contracting — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:19:46 +0000

Icynene manufactures its products with three objectives in mind – to create Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient® indoor environments. Icynene’s products are suitable for steel- or wood- framed residential or commercial construction. Every Icynene product is created so that trade professionals and homeowners can reap the benefits of a comfortable, energy efficient and healthier indoor environment. And for a more eco-conscious option, Icynene offers ICYNENE LD-R-50™ – an environmentally preferable, renewable-based spray foam insulation and air barrier material.

Icynene’s array of insulation products are designed to let you have greater control over the indoor environment. Each product is tailored to accommodate different project sizes and types, yet they all have one attribute in common — they perform as a continuous insulation and air barrier material. Whether your project calls for ICYNENE LD-C-50™ (spray or pour formula), ICYNENE LD-R-50™ renewable-based spray foam or GOLD SEAL 400®, you can create an energy-efficient, comfortable environment… with air that is healthier to breathe. Icynene’s insulation and air-sealing products provide a protective barrier to the entry of outdoor allergens and pollutants.

To learn more about the product visit icynene.com

EcoENERGY Grants to Rise by 25%

Klondike Contracting — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:41:40 +0000

http://www.homebuildercanada.com/news/news090331_EcoEnergy.htm