Posts in Category: Healthy Homes

Electrification and Inverter Technology: The Key to High-Performance Building

By Karl Pomeroy - A Daikin Blog
Electrification and Inverter Technology: The Key to High-Performance Building
Between government regulations and evolving consumer preferences, it’s no surprise many industries are making a conscious effort to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly products and sustainable solutions - the HVAC industry is no exception. There are two innovative core solutions propelling the industry closer to high-performance and net zero buildings: electrification and inverter technology. What is Electrification? Electrification refers to the shift from traditional fossil fuel equipment to electricity-fueled equipment. Electrification is a key component in sustainable building practices, offering increased energy efficiency and decreased carbon emissions. For example, electric heat pumps can operate at up to 500% efficiency as they move heat from one location to another, instead of simply generating heat directly, further driving down costs and consumption. What is Inverter Technology? Inverter technology allows HVAC systems to operate at higher efficiency... read more
 

How to Boost Home Performance and Durability with Foundation Vapor Protection

Contribute to Four Essential High-Performance Goals with Targeted Below-Slab Protection
How to Boost Home Performance and Durability with Foundation Vapor Protection
As a member of the EEBA community, you play a crucial role in leading the way towards constructing homes that are high-performing, healthy, and resilient. Now aligned with this objective are the self-educated homeowners and prospective buyers who are demanding high-performance homes. Because of this, builders (as well as the raters and architects who support them) are looking for product solutions that: Add value to their customers’ investments Demonstrate a core commitment to being a “responsible” builder Differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace Our hope at Stego (and the purpose of this article) is to help provide useful support and education so that EEBA builders can better understand vapor transmission at the first side of the home - the foundation - and the role below-slab vapor barriers play in achieving high-performance goals in new homes. No, we are not talking about commodity 6 or 10-mil poly sheeting. Minimum residential code (2021 IRC... read more
 

Taylor Morrison - August Builder of the Month!

Taylor Morrison - August Builder of the Month!
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taylor Morrison is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and developers. Taylor Morrison serves a broad range of consumers from coast to coast, including first-time, move-up, and resort-lifestyle homebuyers and renters under their family of brands—including Taylor Morrison, Esplanade, Darling Homes Collection by Taylor Morrison and Yardly. From 2016-2023, Taylor Morrison has been recognized as America's Most Trusted® Builder by Lifestory Research. Recently, Taylor Morrison announced its newest partnership with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, the home organization experts behind The Home Edit, a part of Hello Sunshine, which is a division of Candle Media, on a new video series, New Home, New Zones, offering home-organization tips that make moving into a new home easier. As part of the multi-faceted partnership, Taylor Morrison will also serve as a homebuilder on The Home Edit's new take on hit home renovation series "Extreme... read more
 

CVF Homes - June Builder of the Month!

CVF Homes - June Builder of the Month!
CVF homes works with award winning architects to design one of a kind projects. Since inception, CVF homes has distinguished itself repeatedly by specializing in sustainable residential infill development and unique custom homes in San Antonio Texas. Their projects have been successful because they focus on great design, energy, water and material efficient buildings with healthy indoors. CVF homes has two primary goals: 1) To design sustainable projects that integrate the latest technology and the most energy and water efficient systems while minimizing their carbon footprint and 2) To design for humans – providing for practical requirements for how people live today while incorporating the outdoor with the indoor design elements to harmonize modern day living. They are committed to certifying all of their projects by the Zero Energy Ready Home program from the Department of Energy, Build San Antonio Green standards, ENERGY STAR and Indoor airPLUS. Learn More... read more
 

Top 10 Things to Know this Earth Day

On this Earth Day, it is important to focus on ways we can make our homes more energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable. We will provide you with an overview of the top 10 things you need to know to achieve these high-performance goals. From working with a HERS/ERI rater to incorporating a net-zero electrification strategy, we will cover topics such as energy efficiency, air quality, ventilation, heat pumps, resiliency, and more. By understanding these key concepts, you can take the necessary steps to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment. The environment is subject to numerous human influences and impacts, including pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. However, nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from the real estate sector. Of these emissions, 27% are produced by building operations and 13% are produced by embodied carbon such as infrastructure materials and construction. 1. Connect with Home Energy Rating... read more
 

Heat Pumps Everywhere

One of the most mentioned items in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is heat pumps. The IRA provides significant rebates and/or tax credits for the installation of heat pumps. These rebates and tax credits make this technology worth considering for all builders and homeowners installing new equipment or upgrading old systems. Let’s cover what types of heat pumps are available and why you will want to consider them. Heat pumps are up to five times more efficient than standard systems and have the ability to use air or water to heat and cool systems within a home. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer thermal energy from one place to another instead of producing heat through combustion. Heat pumps can be classified into two types: ground-source and air-source. Both can provide efficient heating and cooling solutions with minimal electricity consumption and no combustion. How Different Types of Heat Pumps Function: Ground Source Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat... read more
 

The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Effects on Sustainable Housing

The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Effects on Sustainable Housing
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a key piece of legislation that is helping to transform the way we think about sustainable housing. By providing incentives to encourage the electrification of buildings and infrastructure, the IRA is helping to reduce energy costs, promote energy efficiency, and create a more sustainable housing landscape. In this blog post, we'll discuss the effects of the IRA on sustainable housing and the benefits it has for homeowners and society. What is the Inflation Reduction Act? The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is an ambitious climate initiative that provides $369 billion in funding to achieve a net zero carbon economy and transition the US to clean energy technologies by 2050. The Act seeks to reduce global emissions and create economic opportunities for all Americans by investing in EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy, smart grids, and tax incentives for energy freedom and independence. The Act also works to reduce the cost of... read more
 

Walk the Wok

A Conversation about Induction Cooking & Its Role in All Electric, Zero Energy Homes

 

Chef Rachelle Boucher of Kitchens to Life cooks her favorite Chinese New Year dishes as two of the top experts in Indoor Air Quality bring a fresh perspective to traditional cooking and the vital role of ventilation in today's homes. Instructors: Rachelle Boucher, Brady Seals, Alex Siow. 


 

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