Can This Home be Greened? A Ranch-Style Colorado Home Plagued by Inefficiency and Health Issues
(Page 2 of 4)
September/October 2003
By Brian Dunbar
Quick fixes
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For a quick fix in the energy efficiency department, Mariah advised Margueritte to replace her incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, which have an 8,000-hour life and are guaranteed to last seven years. Compact fluorescent bulbs use up to 80 percent less electricity than incandescents. They also suggested that she search salvage yards for lighting fixtures and fans.
The addition of ceiling fans to Margueritte’s home would improve indoor air quality by mixing outdoor with indoor air. Compared with other cooling methods, they use little energy. The Huttos sent Margueritte to the local Habitat Home Supplies store, which carries many deconstruction items including ceiling fans, window blinds, light fixtures, doors, and windows.
To mitigate the intense heat gain in Margueritte’s living room, we suggested installing exterior shutters, which offer seven times as much protection as interior shutters. For the interior, Hunter Douglas Honeycomb blinds, which can be purchased with one to three layers of honeycomb air space, offer the best insulation on the market and are also aesthetically pleasing.
Basement mold and mildew
When we entered Margueritte’s basement, where limited windows allow little opportunity for ventilation, we encountered a strong smell of mold and mildew, which could lead to health issues. This is especially problematic because the family spends a good deal of time in the downstairs carpeted sitting room.
Carpet is considered a “sink” material—it can readily absorb, harbor, and release foreign substances. Mold and mildew problems typically result from water leakage coupled with non-breathable construction and finishes. I suggested the following to mitigate the mold and improve the indoor air quality in the living space:
• Remove the wall-to-wall carpeting. If it can be sufficiently cleaned, turn it into an area rug (reduce size, add backing, and bind the edges). An area rug can be cleaned more easily (both top and bottom) and can be rolled up so the concrete floor below can be scrubbed.
• Investigate walls and floor for cracks and potential water leaks.
• Analyze exterior drainage to assure that water migrates properly away from building.
• Inspect plumbing fixtures for slow leaks.
Planting an orchard
Margueritte’s home is basically a rectangle with the long sides facing northeast (front) and southwest (back). The west side is an eight-foot swath of unused yard. Margueritte wants to integrate fruit trees into her landscape, and this forgotten space is a great place to begin an orchard, which would extend around the front of the house and wrap around the side property line and along the city sidewalk. Mogen encouraged Margueritte to leave a four- to six-foot pathway between the trees to allow for any unforeseen access issues between the street and the backyard.