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<br /> install than a conventional gas furnace and central air con- always obvious,but many manufacturers already use them"
<br /> ditioner, but Zehringer notes that for homeowners plan- One of Haug's tasks on this project is researching cab-
<br /> ning to stay in a home for several years,it's definitely worth merry,furniture, paint, floorings and plastic decking that
<br /> considering, and will pay for itself through reduced heat- are made with lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
<br /> I
<br /> ing and cooling costs. and recycled products
<br /> Appliances with Energy Star ratings will also be installed "That 'new house smell,"' states Haug, "is really prod-
<br /> in Energy House III.Area home buyers can receive rebates of ucts like flooring materials degassing those VOCs. You're 1
<br /> $50 to $800 per electric appliance (including the ground- breathing that in.The Energy House won't have any of that."
<br /> source heat pump)from Elk River Municipal Utilities. Haug says recycled steel roofing and siding, and car-
<br /> "These products help the homeowner save three ways," peting made from recycled materials, are definitely
<br /> says Hoist. "The up-front rebates decrease the initial cost going to be used. Compost material will be used in land- 1
<br /> of upgrading to an Energy Star appliance; the appliances scaping for erosion control and for a beautiful lawn and
<br /> continue to pay for themselves through lower operating plants.
<br /> costs year after year; and the reduced operating costs and "Some items we install may be more expensive initially, 1
<br /> rebates help consumers qualify for their mortgage." but the siding, for example,has a 50-year warranty and the
<br /> decking requires no maintenance," she continues. "Min-
<br /> Indoor air quality nesota weather is brutal on wood structures, and no mat-
<br /> Another of SNBA's aims is for this house to meet the ter how often you stain or paint,they lose their beauty and 1
<br /> American Lung Association's(ALA)standards for a"Health
<br /> House." Hoist says there is a thorough process of checks
<br /> and balances for a builder to pass through to receive this • I
<br /> endorsement from ALA, and each house a builder wants Fort1S
<br /> certified is charged a fee for the various inspections done to '1 �,—. `.,^�.,
<br /> ensure the proper materials and practices are being used - �°\\'',-...,N•
<br /> `
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<br /> "It is a commitment and an investment,"admits Hoist1,�,` n eY 1
<br /> "but it opens up a whole new gamut of construction gy
<br /> opportunities. And having a house like this can really r
<br /> improve the quality of life of a family member who has ' 25 years of experience in wind energyII
<br /> health issues such as asthma or chemical sensitivities." in the range from 500 Watt up to 30 kW
<br /> Criteria for a Health House helps avoid potential prob- -
<br /> lems such as wet basements, poor air circulation, mold, 1
<br /> and radon and carbon monoxide issues. Hoist says the , Suitable for many =applications, such as:
<br /> details of being an endorsed Health House are lengthy,but • Battery charging
<br /> notes a few items from Energy House III to help it achieve I
<br /> the goal ;'
<br /> • Grid tied systems
<br /> ■ The ground-source heat pump eliminates the poten- • Hybrid systems (wind/solar or wind/diesel)
<br /> tial for carbon monoxide poisoning because there is no • Water pumping
<br /> furnace combustion. 1
<br /> •Since the basement must be moisture-free, new foun- • Heating 1
<br /> dation systems to achieve that,as well as maximize insula-
<br /> p:FK "?:9'fa'^S„...'.�x'fi:�;'ii;:`���.+�"r+l'•':i',t z„'cwry>Sy z,�:,.n:rsR-'�.�.:,n.,.-o:s;,.hr,._ _o.
<br /> tion capabilities,are being evaluated for use. DistrPbutor-" Ca_pada yl',G7,'`' z: .._. , '_.
<br /> �.ln US1;:5tteiof;New Yorkl
<br /> "e ark%IVla�eletrI` is ` P i, E:.ecgy so ut sK.nc I
<br /> •As a precaution, radon mitigation measures are being x ' a:
<br /> into the house -el)E D1VO is'141 '�' IMgi!k:` Sit " 'v-.'
<br /> built now so that if there is ever a problem, ';e'�•05 76 1 4$%:� .•k,s�•%''?P{riTel 3,14t364"1,9,7-'0`h % `'�'
<br /> it can be taken care of immediatelyand cost-effectively. ww €p''ai� '•. ' ww 4r`i,r e '� •, `1,,
<br /> . .,. "Uii ;* '`u! t � r Ua, ,, -n1,14:2,rr,', ,• I
<br /> Recycled products
<br /> Energy House III will showcase some surprising items Distributors, are welcome
<br /> that will make it a "green" home and aid the builders' 1
<br /> efforts to balance environmental and economic building
<br /> practices and further enhance indoor air quality. rt C ,_
<br /> "Some of us have the misconception that recycled items . . - . `t7
<br /> are still junk - certainly not beautiful carpeting or robust _Fortis Windenergy T !+31 50 534 01 04
<br /> steel roof shingles.Yet a lot of things are already made with ''Botanicuslaan 14 M +31 6 204 921 38 '
<br /> 1111
<br /> recycled products and people don't realize it," relates NL-9751 AC Haren E info• or iso tide e e °�,aa''
<br /> fr. "; ;
<br /> Rebecca Haug,environmental technician for the city of Elk 'The Netherlands a •' for 'p is 4.44q, ,
<br /> River. "Even if you look for the symbol or label, it's not ` '`'
<br /> I
<br /> Alternative Energy Retailer • 27
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