Energy Efficiency

Week 2 

Tropical storm Isaac shut down the makeover project a day early. Yet, in spite of the severe weather threat, week two was productive.

Fred Danforth and his crew from Total Service Company located in Pontotoc, Miss., arrived on the project site and installed the geothermal loops. Total Service Company specializes in geothermal drilling and loop installation. Serving 16 states, Danforth is considered a leader among geothermal installers across America. When completed, the geothermal loops and heat pump will provide the Thomas’ home with the most efficient heating and cooling system on the market.

Four, 210 foot loops were installed directly in front of the makeover house. The loops were spaced approximately 20 feet apart and will be fused together when Rood Heating and Air installs the Water Furnace Envision geothermal heat pump. Be sure to click on the makeover video segments learn about this process. Also, click on the link below for complete geothermal installation details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5awzy4qVfE&feature=youtu.be

The makeover team was able to replace half of the older windows with replacements provided by the Harry G. Barr Company of Fort Smith. The new units were delivered this week. A very efficient vinyl-framed, Low-E glass and Argon gas filled model will replace the old, inefficient single-pane windows.

The new windows have a U-factor of .30. The U-factor is the inverse of R-value. The lower the U-factor…the more efficient and better insulation properties. When replacing windows in Arkansas, request a U-factor of .30 or lower.

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is .22. A low SHGC is ideal for warm, moist southern climates where we spend a great deal of time in the air-conditioning mode. A low SHGC will retard the radiant heat gain from the sun. When replacing windows, request a SHGC of .29 or less.

The windows also have a Low-E coating on the glass. The coating will reflect or absorb the sun’s radiant heat, thereby preventing it from entering the home. Remember, keeping heat from entering the home during the hot summer months will dramatically improve comfort and lower energy consumption. If you are reading this post and reside in a northern climate, consult your window expert. The location of the Low-E coating and SHGC changes for northern climates.

Week three will take us beyond the halfway point of Makeover 2012. The window replacement component will be completed pending no unforeseen circumstances. At the time of this update, we are awaiting a scheduling notice from Rood Heating & Air and hope to see them next week. The installation of the General Electric GeoSpring Hybrid water heater will be in conjunction with the geothermal system install.

Thank you for following our progress! Have a great Labor Day Weekend.

Until next week,

Bret Curry

AECC