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Log
homes are naturally energy efficient due to the thermal mass of the log
walls. They store the warmth in the winter and the cool air in the
summer! |
Creating an eco-friendly, energy efficient environment provides you and your family both economic and health benefits. |
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Whether you're building, restoring or maintaining a log home there are many options to to consider. |
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Green Log Home Ideas |
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Cleaning or Removing the Existing Finish:
There are many products available to clean your exterior logs and
different methods available for removing the existing finish such as:
blasting with corn media, glass beads and walnut shells. There are also
other eco-friendly products used that effectively strip the existing
finish. When
deciding the method or product to clean/remove your existing finish,
please verify the method and products used are environmentally friendly.
Stains and
Sealants:
Due to increasing regulations on the VOC
levels in paints and stains, most major stain manufactures are producing
a less toxic product line. However there are still finishes available
that may not be environmentally friendly. One of the manufacturers, Sashco, was nominated for
the 2008 Green Log Home & Lifestyle Award for their products.
PermaChink, Sansin and among other manufacturers also offer a stain
which is considered environmentally friendly.
Caulking:
Caulking the exterior log seams, windows and doors using a
professional log home, eco-friendly product to properly seal your
home eliminates air, water and insect infiltration. Properly caulking
your log home can greatly save in energy costs!
Heat Pumps:
Half of the energy used in the average home is heating and air
conditioning. Heat pumps are a great choice when replacing your current
system. Several choices include:
Solar:
The price of solar is continuing to come down
while the design is improving. Solar panels have become more efficient
and some panels are barely noticeable. There are also "Solar Attic Fans"
available. For a minimal cost and easy installation, this option has
shown to help reduce energy cost without the rising cost in electricity.
Radiant Floors:
These series of tubes that pump hot water beneath the surface of the
floor typically make up the extra installation cost in three to five
years.
Appliances:
There are
many Energy Star products on the market today including: dishwashers,
refrigerators, dehumidifiers, air cleaners and more. For a complete list
as well as a saving calculator to show how Energy Star Appliance rate
with your current appliance in savings, visit www.energystar.gov.
We all have many eco-options available and even the smallest change can make a
difference such as: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Conserving Water, Recycling
and even the cleaning products we use.
Please check for additional savings and rebates available in your state for installing the above systems.
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| PRESERVE AND PROTECT YOUR LOG HOME |
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LogOptions,
LLC © 2005 - 2009 All Rights Reserved |
