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Energy Remodels Sustainable Construction Services specializes in energy remodels. An energy remodel is when we install products and features that will increase the efficiency of you HVAC system, plumbing system, electrical system, and building envelope. By increasing the efficiency of these systems SCS can lower your utility bills and make your home more comfortable. The Building Envelope  Leaks and penetrations in the building envelope can cause drafts, cold spots, differences in the temperature from the first floor to second, and high heating and cooling bills. The building envelope is where most experts say the greatest amount of energy is lost. The building envelope encompasses the area of your home where the inside or conditioned space meets the outside or unconditioned space. Unconditioned space can also refer to space inside your home that is not heated or cooled by your furnace or A/C system. These areas include attics, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and garages. When the building envelope is penetrated and not sealed correctly or when it is not insulated correctly conditioned air, air that you have paid to be heated or cooled, passes through the building envelope and is lost outside. You can imagine the penetrations in the building envelope as equal to leaving a window open during the summer or winter. In order to correct the inefficiencies in the building envelope SCS will seal penetrations and gaps where a pipe, wire, fan, flu, or gap in a framing member is allowing conditioned air to leave you home or unconditioned air to enter it. SCS will also correct any underperforming or missing insulation and will replace or repair faulty weather stripping. Old single pain windows can also contribute to energy loss. While replacing these windows won't save you as much on you energy bill as sealing other penetrations, new wood or vinyl windows can add a tremendous amount of value to you home. The HVAC System  Did you know Energy Star estimates that the average HVAC system loses 20% of the air that travels through its ducts? Our HVAC professionals can seal the leaks in your furnace and ductwork so that instead of conditioning your attic, basement, crawlspace, or outdoors you are bringing the previously lost air into your living space. By preventing this air from leaking outside you will reduce the length and frequency that you HVAC system runs, saving you money on utility bills.
Is your HVAC system in need of service or does it need to be replaced? SCS can complete a seasonal service or replace your old outdated furnace or A/C compressors. In the past, some HVAC systems were purposely oversized in order to mask some of the problems associated with air leakage, both through ductwork and the building envelope. By sealing the building envelope and ductwork before replacing the major components of the system, SCS is usually able to install a smaller more efficient system the will actually heat and cool your home better than your previous system. The Plumbing System  Unlike the HVAC system, the inefficiencies in the plumbing system generally do not stem from leaks. Most wasted water can be prevented by following general guidelines such as turning the water off when not in use, limiting shower time, and washing only full loads of laundry.
In addition to following these guidelines SCS can help you conserve even more water. Low flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets are great ways to lower your water use. These products limit water consumption as you use it, but there are also ways to lower water consumption before you even turn on the faucet. Hot water recirculation systems cycle hot water through your plumbing system so that when you turn on your shower or sink you don't have to wait for the water to get hot. By installing a hot water recirculation system you save the cold water that normally runs down the drain every time you have to wait for hot water. The Electrical System  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) are just one of the ways we can help you save on your power bill. One Compact Fluorescent Bulb generally last as long as 8 regular 60 watt bulbs and can use as little as 1/6 the energy. For a quick demonstration in how much CFLs can save visit Energy Star's Savings Calculator.
SCS can also install ceiling fans, dimmer switches, energy star rated electrical fixtures, and energy star rated appliances. These products along with improvements to the building envelope, HVAC system, and plumbing system will lower your monthly power bill.
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