Structural Insulated Panels

A newer material Peak has already used in several homes is called SIPs or Structural Insulated Panels made by a company in Charleston. The panels are engineered “sandwiches” made from two pieces of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) -- a plywood-like substance -- and foam core in the middle.

“One of the things that turned us on to it is because it’s so much more energy efficient,” Burkes said.

The large panels are also extremely strong, which means they can be used to erect a building’s shell without having to use the conventional method of stick framing using lumber. SIPs shells can be put up quickly, saving labor costs, and they are stronger than stick frame walls.

Homes built with SIPs are better insulated and much more airtight than in regular construction. SIPs homes conserve energy by keeping air conditioning and heating costs down while creating better indoor air quality.

“Oakridge National Labs certified that with a 4-inch stick frame wall and a 4-inch SIPs frame wall, the SIPs were 50 percent more energy efficient,” Burkes said. “We love it because it’s easy to build with.”

The product is about 10 percent more than costs for stick framing a house, but Burkes said the extra cost will quickly be recouped through energy savings.

“We were shocked with how well it holds temperature,” Burkes said of the first time he used SIPs in a building.

There are other options available for people thinking about going green, or at least a little greener, in their homes.

An instantaneous water heater or a tankless hot water system is a good energy saver, Burkes said.

Normally water heaters heat and store water in tanks to be ready for use, but with an instantaneous system, no tank is necessary, and the system doesn’t use a lot of energy trying to keep the tank hot all the time.

Another method for creating hot water more efficiently is a solar hot water system, Burkes said. With these systems, cold water is piped up to solar panels on the roof where it is heated and then pumped into a storage tank.

“It’s using the sun’s energy basically for free hot water,” he said.

While solar panels are expensive, Burkes said he’s seen a homeowner get paid back in energy savings within three years.

Energy savings can be found right under the feet, too.

Installing radiant heat floors in a home under construction or in an existing home is proven to cut heating costs, Burkes said.

It works by putting water lines in the home’s concrete floors or under existing floors and running hot water through them. Radiant heat helps to keep the whole house at a more constant temperature, so heaters don’t have to do as much to keep things warm and toasty during the winter.

It might take a little effort, but being more environmentally friendly doesn’t have to involve major renovations.

Burkes said many people waste a lot of energy by not sealing cracks, doors and windows. Checking to make sure a home’s insulation is in good shape and replacing it if it’s not is another good way to stop energy waste.

Switching to energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs and replacing old heating and air conditioning units with a more efficient system can help to make a home a little greener, too.

“We can always be more energy conscious,” Burkes said. “It’s going to take a homeowner who’s willing to push to have a green house. (It takes) somebody who is going to look long-term.”
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