In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the ENERGY STAR program as a way to identify and promote energy efficient products and thereby reduce greenhouse gas pollution. ENERGY STAR labeled homes are designed to perform 30% more efficiently than typical homes.

If all U.S. households and businesses bought Energy Star-labeled products instead of standard new equipment over the next 15 years, our national energy bill over that time would be reduced by about $100 billion. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to taking 17 million cars off the road for each of those 15 years. Source: Energy Star Fast Facts. As a small business, R. Talbott Construction, Inc. is a member of Energy Star and can help you make your home more energy efficient.

Understanding Green Building

Insulated Windows: We can help you upgrade your windows to better your home. Replacing your existing windows with eco-conscious double-paned glass windows can make your home more green while reducing the loss of heat during the wintertime. It's something to think about as you are updating your home.

Geo Thermal Heat Pumps: This is the use of a network of underground tubes to tap into the warmth of the earth underneath your home. This system will heat your home more efficiently and eco-friendly than the conventional heating systems of the past. We can install these systems and in some cases you can find additional benefits through tax breaks for the installation of this type of system in the home.

Hybrid Home Heating Systems: This is another efficient way to heat a home. This method is more comfortable than traditional systems. In a hybrid heating system, a furnace is used with an electric heat pump for heating. Heat pumps will heat and cool your home efficiently and are usually the most economic for heating during moderate weather. Even when it is cold outside, there is heat in the air, which the heat pump extracts and pumps into your home. When the temperature outside drops below an economic balance point where it becomes efficient to heat with gas, oil, or propane, the system switches to your furnace. Whether we are building you a new home or renovating your existing home we can install this hybrid system for you.

Insulation Alternatives: Much of the heat lost in your home is through the ceiling, due to inadequate insulation. We can upgrade your conventional insulation in your attic or replace it with a modern foam insulation.

Solar-Electric Systems: Solar-electric systems generate solar electricity and route it to the electric utility grid, offsetting your home electrical consumption and, in some instances it can even turn the electric meter backwards. In some cases, the utility company will credit a homeowner’s account for excess solar electricity produced. We can help you take advantage of this renewable energy source by installing a system for you.

Solar Hot Water Heaters: Hot water represents the second largest energy consumer in American households. Solar Hot Water heaters, also called solar domestic hot water systems, can be a cost effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate. Solar water heating systems include storage tanks and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don't.

Let us know if you would like to learn more about how R. Talbott Construction, Inc. can help make your home more energy efficient.