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Building Envelope
The house was constructed with 2x6 exterior walls,
which offers a nearly 60% increase in exterior wall insulation.
The attic has blown cellulose insulation. The underside of the subfloor
has been sprayed with foam insulation, which not only insulates
the floor but eliminates air infiltration from the crawlspace. Windows
were chosen for optimum balance of U factor and solar heat
gain coefficient. Attractive, custom double-cell insulating window
shades—Bali and Levolor—reduce heat transfer across
windows. Exterior doors are insulated and metal-clad. This house
garnered a '19' in an EnergyStar test—a very good score.
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Heating and Cooling Efficiency
A geothermal (ground-connected) heat pump provides
air conditioning and backup heating—four times more efficiently
than a conventional heat pump. A whole-house fan provides central
cooling on all but the hottest of summer days. Ceiling fans in the
livingroom and bedrooms provide additional non-A/C cooling options.
Attic exhaust fans above the garage and living area keep summer
heat down in the attics and reduce heat transfer downward.
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