Energy efficient and eco-friendly ICF homes
Energy efficient living is one of the greatest benefits of living in an ICF home. GreenBlock Development Group takes initiative to specialize in the most energy efficient and eco-friendly type of construction on the market for numerous reasons.
Minimal structure leaks
As air moves naturally through a house, it removes pollutants such as odors, gases, particles and moisture. However, it can also contribute to drafts and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
Uncontrolled air leakage can lead to issues from condensation, discomfort, energy waste, and poor indoor air quality. Air leaks also make the air conditioner work harder and run longer, which isn’t good for anyone’s energy bill.
When installed properly by a qualified home builder, an ICF structure will be airtight. This air tightness can lead to a 75% reduction in outside air infiltration, which also means less pollutants and better controlled temperatures.
Buildings require less energy to heat and cool
Larger homes may cost more to heat or cool, but bigger homes mean bigger savings. On average, homes with reasonable energy habits will save 40-60% on their energy bill.
Absorption of temperature swings
An ICF wall is a type of mass wall system, which means energy gets absorbed all day and gets released at night. As a result, interior temperatures are more regulated. This recirculation is worth about 6% of the energy used within a building, except it is complimentary energy and doesn’t cost a thing.
Energy efficient HVAC
R-value measures resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance. ICF can have an R-value of R-25-to R-40 whereas CMU can vary from R-2 to R-4. Properly engineered ICF meets energy code requirements to be officially endorsed by the EPA’s Energy Star program for heating and cooling.
Longevity
Since ICF was designed to be resilient and long-lasting, homeowners don’t need to worry about their walls deteriorating and causing air leaks that way. ICF is also resistant to moisture, rot, dust mites and tunneling pests.
Assuming a 100-year life, one single-family ICF home has the potential to save about 110 tons of CO2. This more than offsets the CO2 associated with the production of the cement used to make the concrete.
Stasis in climate-based fluctuations
A study by the Portland Cement Association explored the benefits of ICF vs. wood-framed homes and compared the results in 5 metropolitan areas with vastly different year-round climates (Chicago, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, Washington D.C.).
While both outperformed minimum IECC standards, ICF had energy savings that ranged from 5 – 9% greater than the houses with wood-frame walls. It was also shown to substantially exceed minimum IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) requirement in all 5 cities.
Experience an energy efficient ICF home
GreenBlock Development Group is a custom home builder is Southwest Florida that specializes in green construction, disaster resistance and solar energy. Contact us when you’re ready to be energy efficient and experience the many other benefits ICF construction provides.