Last week, we selected an Energy Star Certified shingle (Certainteed Landmark Silver Birch) and roof replacement work commenced. The rainy weather has slowed progress somewhat, so we still have about two days of work remaining. To qualify as Energy Star, the shingles are a relatively light color that reflects more light and keeps the roof surface cooler, which in turn helps keep the home cool in the summer (less heat is transmitted into the home from the roof). And there's another environmental beneift as well: Lighter colored shingles also help to minimize urban heat island effects.
We also solicited bids for our mechanical systems and rough plumbing last week. We are installing a combined boiler and domestic hot water system with a combined efficiency of 90% (0.90 AFUE). In addition, we will increase energy efficiency by insulating hot water pipes, reducing the length of hot water pipe runs, installing an outdoor reset control that modulates distribution water temperature based on outdoor air temperature, installing a programmable thermostat, and zoning the house on four zones. Finally, all domestic hot water and boiler equipment will be installed within an insulated basement utility closet.
Work on the mechanical systems and the rough plumbing commenced on Monday and should be completed by the end of the week. Rough-in plumbing is being installed for the kitchen (one sink, dishwasher, and gas stove), one bathroom (clothes washer, sink, toilet, bathtub/shower), and the master bath on the second floor (clawfoot tub, toilet, sink and separate shower).
After the plumbing work, our next step is the electrical wiring. The entire house must be rewired. Fortunately, all of the old knob and tube wiring was removed during demolition. We are getting bids on the electric work and trying to schedule it for next week.
Meanwhile, our windows and doors arrived TODAY at Pella's Greenfield warehouse! These will be picked up tomorrow morning and installed over the next several days.
We've also ordered the siding for the back addition to replace the plywood siding. We'll save that for another post when we reveal the new house color scheme!
looking good!
ReplyDeleteboiler and hot water sealed combustion? (vents directly out the side-wall, not up a chimney)
Is the basement perimeter getting sealed/insulated?
have fun.adin
Hi Adin!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is exciting. Our first comment.
Yes, boiler and hot water sealed combustion, vents directly out side wall.
The basement is being removed from the thermal envelope, so we are insulating between the first floor and the basement. This strategy was selected as the best approach for meeting Energy Star requirements for this project. We are building an insulated box for mechanicals in the basement.