Engery Efficiency

When most people think of a home that is "Built Green" they generally are talking about "Energy Efficiency".  Cottage Werks "Low Impact" home is a lot more the just cutting energy consumption, but they do stand out in the area as well.

Here are a few things you might find in a typical Cottage Werks home:

• Hydronic radiant heat system - circulates hot water throughout the home heating room via fan driven wall panels.  The same water is used for other daily water needs.  All rooms are controlled separately with individual thermostats.  Heat only the room that you need heated.
• The hot water tank is a "smart tank."  It will shut itself down automatically if not used after a set period of time.  It can also heat water rapidly when needed.
• Bathrooms have low-energy heat mats under the tile flooring comfortably heating the room and leaving the floor warm to the touch.
•  The home can also be heated with a wood burning fireplace.  Cottage Werks uses a highly rated EPA certified fireplace insert that gives off less particle matter and carbon dioxide than natural gas.
• Insulation in the walls and ceiling is formaldehyde-free fiberglass batt and rigid foam.
• Only highly rated Energy Star appliances are used.
• Low flush toilets to conserve water
• Homes are generally designed to make use of natural light to help heat and light the home.
• Many lights are on separate circuits to reduce usage and allow for spot lighting
• High efficiency light fixtures
• Window glass U-factor and heat gain co-efficient both exceed code requirements, so that summer heat gain is vastly reduced