We realized the efficiency retrofits to our home were pretty similar to what we saw on the tour, so for fun I thought I’d write up the green feature list of our house in the same format as used by the tour book.
Spangler Home – Northwest Austin
Built as a traditional non-green building, this Austin home has been retrofitted for energy efficiency and simple but high-tech living.
Lawn replaced with native plant and prairie garden which requires almost no supplemental watering. Crushed granite and limestone paths allow water penetration. Mature trees provide shade.
1 gpm low-flow showerheads (from New Braunfels-based Bricor). Shut-off values on showers for optional Navy shower.
Solar screens on all windows.
Energy Star appliances from the highest CEE efficiency tier (dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer). Energy Star electronics.
19 SEER multi-zoned HVAC system with variable speed motor and fan coils, and programmable thermostats.
All lighting is CFL or LED. (LED fishtank and main kitchen lighting reduces energy usage of most-used lights.)
High efficiency aerodynamic ceiling fans with timed remotes throughout. (Gossamer Wind fans)
Masonry and fiber cement siding and trim (Hardiboard).
Ethernet networking (Cat6) and high speed Internet connection enables telecommuting to save energy and reduce emissions. Energy-efficient computers. Notebook and Home theater systems that sleep when not in use.