Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) structures have become synonymous with energy-efficiency due to their solid, nearly airtight envelope. Another noteworthy benefit, though, that comes with such an impervious design is their ability to block outside contaminants. Because concrete doesn’t breath like its lower-performing, wood-framed counterpart, it blocks not only heat and cold from penetrating its walls, but also pollen, dust and other airborne pollutants. The building envelope is extremely tight in an ICF structure, therefore, it is often recommended that energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) be installed to bring in fresh air and still maintain the air quality. ERVs use energy from the stale, outgoing air to precondition the ventilated, incoming air in HVAC units, allowing for control over the air exchanged. The humidity level is also controlled through ERVs in combination with the ICF structure, preventing mold and mildew. These two common indoor irritants often render indoor air quality much more harmful than being outside, regardless of the time of year.  The result is a year-round clean, healthy living environment!

The most common alternative for both new construction and retro-fitting is the demand water heater, commonly referred to as the tankless water heater. Given that there is no storage tank, the tankless  water heater avoids heat loss incurred from standing water. Hot water flows as often and as long as needed, without having to wait for a tank to fill up. The flow rates are higher in gas powered tanks, making them the most desirable,  as they more easily accommodate simultaneous multiple uses.

Other benefits of tankless water heaters are their small size, life expectancy, and quality of output water. They take up a small fraction of space compared to the traditional tank water heater as they are simply and discreetly mounted on a wall. Standard heaters generally last 10 years, whereas tankless heaters are expected to last more than 20 years, with parts that are easy to access and replace. Every drop that flows through these heaters is fresh from the tap and has not been exposed to any rust or deposits that typically accumulate over time in traditional tank units. There are a few different brands of tankless water heaters available today, Noritz being the most sought after due to its quality and durability.

For those who can only utilize electric water heaters, a new product on the market is the GE GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater, which combines an energy-efficient heat pump with traditional heating elements.

A compressor and evaporator are integrated into the electric water heater unit and the evaporator draws in ambient heat from surrounding air using two variable speed fans. Condenser coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom to transfer this heat into the tank and heat the water.

An LED backlit electronic control panel, the first of its kind on any tank heater, displays an array of setting options, from an eHeat™ mode to a vacation setting. Overall, a 62% cost reduction is expected over the traditional electric water heater.  Utilizing the federal tax credit available, GeoSpring typically pays for itself in less than three years.

Slab foundations are the least expensive as they require minimal digging, which, in turn, means less in labor and materials. The floors in homes built on this solid foundation are also much sturdier than their wooden counterparts. If walking on concrete is a concern, one might consider a wooden sub-floor. to provide a layer for shock absorption.  In slab foundations, all plumbing pipes and electrical wiring is embedded in the slab, which acts as an insulator and protects them from the elements

Some may argue that the floor on a slab is colder, however, if a waterproofing barrier is placed correctly under the slab, it provides a layer of air between the slab and the ground which insulates it and keeps it room temperature.  This is especially true when building with ICFs (insulated concrete forms) as the slab is poured inside the concrete walls, further insulating the floor from the elements.

Crawl spaces, usually not over four feet in height, are typically soil, which makes a vapor barrier absolutely crucial to prevent moisture from seeping in and promoting mold growth. When building an energy efficient house and trying to create a tight building envelope, a crawl space may not be the best option.  In order to stop air infiltration, the crawl space must also be insulated, otherwise the damp, unfiltered air is pulled into the house from the HVAC return and will seep in through the floors.  This additional  insulation means an increase in cost as well.

Additional exterior materials will also be needed when utilizing a crawl space (brick, stucco, siding) as well as added materials for building the walls on which the house resides.  If thinking about a crawl space, it would be wise to pay a bit more and install a full basement.  The increase in cost from a crawl space is not significantly more, but it will provide a significant increase in square footage which translates into additional living space and increased resale value.

“This is the first barracks that the Army Corps of Engineers has ever designed utilizing ICF forms.  We are excited to be working with them on this groundbreaking facility!” says Tim Hawbaker, CEO/President of A Better House, Inc.