Energy and Construction - Clima2007

Heidi Said:

Can anyone explain what makes windows energy efficient?

We Answered:

Glass is a great transmitter of energy. That is why triple pain windows are better than single or double pain. Add an inert gas and they are even better. Still you need to cover them at night or in the hottest part of the day.

Melanie Said:

Which affordable TV technology has the highest Energy Efficient rating?

We Answered:

LED TV use about 40 % less Energy than LCD TV.
OLD Plasma TV before 2009 models use 50-60 % more energy than LCD TV.
New Plasma after 2008 models use 40 % more energy compare to LCD TV.
Panasonic NEW NEO PLASMA TV (2009/ 2010 models Z series ) about the same power consumption ( W ) compare to same screen size LCD TV.
40 inc LED TV about 140 W
40 inc LCD TV about 180 W
42 inc old Plasma about 360 W
42inc new Panasonic Plasma about 185 W.

Dave Said:

Is there any clothes dryer that has an energy star rating?

We Answered:

According to the Energy Star website, "ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most dryers use similar amounts of energy."

... So the answer to your question is "no."

You can find just about everything you'd like to know about the energy star program at http://www.energystar.gov

Julie Said:

what are the advantages of an energy star rated house over the same house without official rating?

We Answered:

At least in Ohio, a builder must have the house built for you ACTUALLY tested to get the certification. This will usually include a blower door test. It might also include a thermal imaging inspection... (Infrared)

I am a certified thermographer, and have done a great many free inspections for recent homebuyers. (I usually wind up getting them when they buy their next house as a result.)

Here's where that little bit is important. I recently did an inspection for a guy who had paid a great deal extra for "upgraded" insulation which "exceeds" Energy Star requirements..... Yeah, RIGHT!. MOST of the second floor ceiling was NOT insulated... not poorly insulated, or a little bit insulated.... flat out had NO insulation.

SO, if your state requires an ACTUAL inspection to call a house ENERGY STAR, it is more likely you will get what you pay for. Either way, it is a GREAT idea to get a thermal (infrared) inspector.

Feel free to email me directly with questions at WEBMLS@CINCI.RR.COM

Good luck with the new build - Patrick Lea

Jorge Said:

Which is more energy-efficient: a hollow-core door or a solid wood exterior door w/ 10 glass panes?

We Answered:

R-Value is the measure of the resistance of heat flow through a particular product. There are window panes out there that can give you a higher r factor than some hc doors. But, since your cottage is from 1899 realistically it won't make much difference. A house built today will have, usually, an R-11 wall, most windows today will be an R-4 or so. A house built in 1899 did not have standards like these of today. See below:

But to answer the question, I would compromise, and get a door with glass at the top which would give you light and satisfy your husband as well. A HC door does not provide much insulation at all. You were right about the weatherstripping though, a door or window that doesn't have good airtight seals will lose more than just having a glass or HC door.