Alternative Construction Research Guide - GCCDS

faces that can be installed in attic areas to significantlyreduce heat gain from radiation from the exterior. Additionalinformation on radiant barriers can be found inChapter 8.1.Venting Attics: Venting hot air from attic spacesreduces the amount of heat transfer from hot attics intohomes, which lowers cooling loads. It also provides aroute for moisture to escape from attic spaces, preventingproblems associated with moisture buildup in warm attics.There are mechicanical and passive methods for expellingair from an attic, both with advantages and disavantages.Information on venting attics can be found in Chapter 8.1.Increase Efficiency$1,000.00$900.00$800.00$700.00$600.00$500.00$400.00$300.00$200.00$100.00Cost$0.001 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11YearsEnergy Efficiency in Homes | App. IILight Bulb Comparison60 watt incandescent compact fluorescentCFL Bulbs: Compact fluorescent light bulbs are perhapsthe easiest way to reduce energy costs in buildings. Eachlight provides an estimated $62 savings over the life ofeach bulb, and lasts 6-15 times longer than an incandescentbulb. 5HVAC SEER Rating: The seasonal energy efficiencyratio for HVAC systems measures the efficiency of heatingand cooling systems during their heating and coolingcycles. As of January 2006, no HVAC system with a SEERrating of less than 13 can be sold in the United States. Systemsare currently available with SEER ratings up to 22.Water Fixtures: Fixtures that exceed the United StatesEnergy Policy Act of 1992 requirements for flow and flushrates can help save tens of thousands of gallons of waterover their lifetime. Using less water lowers both utilitybills and the amount of energy used to harvest, treat, andtransport water for municipalities.Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters (alsocalled instantaneous, inline, flash, on-demand, or instantwater heaters) eliminate the standby heat loss of conventionalwater heaters by heating water instantly as it flowsthrough the device. This differs greatly from conventionalwater heaters, which heat a large quantity of water to acertain temperature and maintain that temperature indefinitelyuntil the water is used.Energy Efficient Appliances: Appliances that havethe Energy Star label have demonstrated a quantifiableenergy savings over comparable appliances, often yieldinga savings of up to 20-30% over their conventionalcounterparts. 67000600050004000300020001000Cost0$1,800.00$1,600.00$1,400.00$1,200.00$1,000.00Cost$800.00$600.00$400.00$200.00Central A/C System Comparison1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Years$0.0010 SEER 13 SEER 15 SEERWater Fixtures Comparison1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11Years2.2 gpm faucet1.5 gpm faucet2.5 gpm showerhead2.0 gpm showerhead(Fig. 4-6) Cost comparisons, over time, of various energy efficiencyproducts. Data based on market research by GCCDS.