See Chapter 6, Room Additions in the book Green Remodeling for more details. 

 

 

 

 

 Green HVAC for Additions Checklist

  • Specify high efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units.
  • Seal around electrical outlets and all wall penetrations
  • Seal all ductwork with mastic
  • Insulate all ducts in the attic or crawl space
  • Design adequate returns to keep the house pressure balanced.
  • Install a whole house fan
  • Install a heat recovery ventilation system.

Green Additions/Remodel Best Practices

Green Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) for Additions

One of the best ways to make your house healthier and less expensive to operate is to upgrade the heating system. The most likely solution would be to tie into your existing system. If your budget allows it, upgrade your furnace or AC unit to an energy-star rated system. If you are doing a large addition, it may be worthwhile to install a whole new heating and cooling system, especially if your current system is outdated. In considering your options for improving or replacing your system, it helps to know the basic types.

Gas and Oil Heating Systems - used to generate heat in a furnance or boiler. Fuel is sprayed into a combustion chamber where it is mixed with air and burned. Air is heated in the furnace heat exchanger and water is heated in the boilder heat exchangeer.

Electric Heat Systems - there are two types: electric resistance heat and electric heat pumps. Electric resistance heat directly converts electricity into heat. Electric heat pumps do not produce heat, but rather move it from one place to another by use of a compressor. A heat pump delivery heat more efficiently.

Wood Heat Systems - make sense in rural areas but the pollutants have been a problem. New models are significantly cleaner burning because they use a catalytic converter.

Furnace Tips

  • Bigger is not always better. Too large a system costs more and operates inefficiently.
  • Locate furnace in central, insulated spaces, such as in a combustion closet isolate from conditioned spaces. A central location will reduce duct runs and improve efficiency.
  • A programmable thermostat with an "on" switch for the furnance fan will help circulate air and improve indoor air quality.
  • Your home should pass a combustion safety/backdraft test, performed by a qualified technician. This avoids dangerous backdrafting of combustion gases in flue pipes.
  • Add a good combination filtration system, which will filter out airborne particulate matter.
  • For older furnaces, encapsulate or remove asbestos insulation. Use certified asbestos abatement contractors for removal.