Green Log Homes
Building “Green Log Homes”
According to the Log Homes Council, a typical log home is up to 15 percent more energy efficient than an identical stick-framed structure, thanks to the durability and thermal mass of logs. By adding durable building products that will considerably cut your utility bills your log home will be even more earth friendly. Lets take a look at the areas, where it makes the most sense to go “green."
At Innovative Building and Design we believe the upfront investment on durable products can increase the Energy Star Rating of your home, which will save energy cost through out the life of your log home.
As it turns out, the true gas-guzzlers in most houses are the heating and cooling systems, which account for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical American home. So, if rising energy prices have you feeling like it's time to go hybrid on the home front, here are a few options to consider.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Among the most efficient heating and cooling technologies currently available are geothermal heat pumps. These use the Earth's constant internal temperature to provide homes with heat, central air conditioning and, in most cases, water-heating capabilities. No matter the weather, just a few feet below the ground's surface, the temperature remains warm all year round. A geothermal system takes advantage of this by piping that heat into your home through a ground-heat exchanger in the winter. In the summer, warm air is drawn out of the house and then absorbed by the Earth. Innovative Building and Design are experts with years of experience installing Geothermal Systems.
There's more to windows and doors than meets the eye—products that look alike can perform very differently, so Innovative Building and Design installs Pella Windows and Doors as a standard feature in our log home projects. For five consecutive years the EPA has named Pella, Energy Star “Partner of the Year”.
When it's time to top off your log home, the best choice is energy-efficient and durable roofing materials. Sure, they may cost a little more upfront, but increased energy savings and reduced maintenance costs offer a big long-term payback. Plus, the more durable your roofing is, the less often you'll need to replace it, meaning less waste for landfills and more money in your pocket. The inherent qualities of a metal roof are appealing: It will never split, warp, mold or rot and it contains reclaimed content in addition to being recyclable at the end of its long and useful life. Metal roofs are available in shingles and standing-seam styles and get an extra dose of energy efficiency when they're covered with a reflective roof coating.
Every appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home and what it costs to operate and maintain it each month. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. Innovative Building and Design uses Energy Star appliances as a standard feature in our log home package.
