ENERGY STAR is the Government backed symbol for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR label is awarded to homes which operate 30% more efficiently than a standard home. to the ENERGY STAR standard helps to save the earth and save money. In a number of utility territories,a may qualify for free ENERGY STAR certification and home performance testing, as well as an incentive for reaching the ENERGY STAR certification. The "Energy Star Certification? gives an opportunity for both home builders and potential modular home customers to create an environmentally friendly home. The ENERGY STAR Home Program provides an overall rating of energy efficiency after the home has been completed. A new home must undergo inspection and testing by a third-party rating agency. One should contact the local ENERGY STAR office early in the planning stage to see if there are any regional requirements which must be met. For more information on the nearest ENERGY STAR office, people can visit www.energystar.gov or call 1-888-STAR-YES. General Design Considerations For Green Modular Homes Following is a list of general guidelines to consider during to meet ENERGY STAR performance levels:
1. Limit the excessive use of windows in the design.
2. Discourage the use of recess lighting. If recess lighting cannot be avoided, specify AT/IC (Air Tight/Insulation Contact) rated fixtures.
3. If a gas range is used, position it so that exterior venting can occur. It is preferable to place the range on an exterior wall to reduce duct length.
4. The use of ENERGY STAR labeled appliances is recommended.
5. The use of ?Non-vented? or ?Ventless? appliances, such as fireplaces, is prohibited.
6. A modular home design should be pre-checked by the local ENERGY STAR office for requirements of certification to be discussed during the planning stage. Lower utility costs + Greater comfort Smart decision ENERGY STAR labeled homes offer savings every month through utility bills that are significantly lower than those of equivalent, standard homes. These savings can amount to hundreds of extra dollars every year. These homes have tighter construction, which eliminates drafts, reduces outside noise and blocks the entry of airborne pollutants. Tighter ducts improve airflow; allows to maintaining a desired temperature throughout the home. They also reduce exposure to indoor pollutants, which enter ductwork through leaks in attics, basements and garages. Factory Installation Recommendations
1. R-38 attic ceiling insulation.
2. Caulk exterior walls together and to floor deck.
3. Insulated basement and walk up attic stair walls.
4. Weather-stripped exterior door to the basement or walk up attic. (Not required if basement is conditioned space) On-site Home Builder Recommendations 1. Expanding urethane spray foam should be used to seal all set gaps between modules. The critical areas are: ?Along the attic and ceiling joint between modules (access from inside attic) ?At the exterior module joint, vertical and horizontal. Must be done before the ?belly band? and other sheathing splices are applied. ?Between the basement girders. ?The bottom module should be sealed to the sill plate and sill to the foundation. 2. All exterior doors must be adjusted so the weather-strip is sealing when light pressure is applied by hand to the exterior of the door. This usually requires an adjustment of the strike plate to accomplish a tight seal. 3. All plumbing and electric field connections have to be sealed after connections are made but before drywall is completed. 4. Ducts and pipes in chases have to be sealed around at the attic and basement ceiling levels using sheet metal, mastic and spray foam. 5. Bath fan ducts have to be connected to exterior boots in attic. 6. The attic ridge vent and soffit vents must be clear to allow airflow. 7. Areas where floor joists cantilever foundation must be sealed with blocking, spray foam and insulation. 8. High efficiency (AFUE) space heating equipment must be used in conjunction with sealed combustion chambers or power vents to prevent back draft possibilities. 9. Mastic must be used to seal all ductwork connections and fitting seams. Do not use tape. 10. Ducts should be covered in attic with attic insulation to place them within the heated envelope. 11. Installation of an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) is recommended instead of the suggested bath fan for ?background ventilation?. 12. Use of set-back thermostats is recommended. 13. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be in light fixtures. About the author: Kerri Kondisko, author and Sales and Marketing Manager for Avis America researched and wrote this article. Please contact George Banks of for more details 978-210-2708 or GBanksLDA@Yahoo.com.
Even as the economy continues to struggle, the cost of hard goods continues to skyrocket. It is hard to believe that we might be heading into a depression, but still prices are increasing. It is a disastrous formula for an economic meltdown. However progress still has to be made, home improvements will still happen and no matter what the state of the economy is -- you still have to renovate that old kitchen; especially if you want to increase the value of your house.
I was aware that prices on home improvement products were increasing; if you're involved with the industry at all you will know things like electrical wire have tripled in price. But when I recently visited the home depot and noticed that nails have now tripled in price, the thought of that drove me right out of the store and onto the internet. It was not that rash of a decision; I had been researching internet prices versus retail prices and have seen a vast difference in price. Internet prices tend to be twenty to thirty percent less than a retail store. Of course there are the perceived problems with buying online, or at least I thought there were problems. I, like most people who have not bought products online, assumed that there could be issues, but quite the opposite happened when I decided to buy kitchen cabinets.
I wanted to buy a good, quality kitchen cabinet, but like most people I did not have a large amount of money to spend. I did some research and found that there are basically two types of cabinets. Assembled and un-assembled cabinets (also known as RTA: Ready To Assemble kitchen cabinets). I priced both and found that RTA kitchen cabinets were consistently thirty to thirty five percent lower than buying an assembled cabinet. I was thrilled, these cabinets looked as good or better that the assembled cabinets and the price was right for me.
Next, I found that the better RTA cabinets are not made of particle board. The quality RTA kitchen cabinets are made of solid wood fronts and paneled wood sides. Avoid any website that is selling RTA kitchen cabinets with particle board. (Note ? the retail stores like the big box retailers predominantly sell particleboard and if they ?upgrade? you to paneled wood, you will most certainty pay dearly for it).
So even though the economy has got most Americans down, the thought of finding quality cabinets at a bargain price improved my outlook on the cost of my renovation project. Just remember that even though retail stores advertise the ?lowest prices guaranteed?, make sure you go online and compare prices before you buy. Especially when shopping for kitchen cabinets, it is essential to look online and see the difference in prices. Just remember that RTA kitchen cabinets will save you extra money. As always saving money is essential to making your kitchen renovation a success and the way to do this is buy following a few simple steps. Avoid retail, save travel time, save gas money and shop online; it will give you the boost you need to keep some money in this tough economy.
Both Kerri Kondisko & Jason Delmar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kerri Kondisko has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening. Contact Information:Modular America Construction Corp. Kerri Kondisko's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
Jason Delmar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bathroom Vanity, Kitchen Renovation Ideas and Kitchen Home Improvement. I have been remodeling houses for over 10 years... want to find out my secret to getting deals on and. Jason Delmar's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.