Energy Efficiency: Preferred Basements is a "green" choice

"Going green," may seem like just another fad, but the impact an energy-efficient house can have on the planet is worth it. Aside from helping the environment, using energy-efficient products can help homeowners save money, which is a must in these tight times. The Total Basement Finishing (TBF) system provides a number of products to get you an energy-efficient home, while keeping more cash in your wallet!

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that insulating your basement could save around $300 to $400 a year, in many areas of the country. The DOE also recommends interior insulation on basement walls, rather than exterior insulation because:

• it is less expensive to install
• allows you to use a wider selection of insulation types
• eliminates the threat of insect infestations
• isolates the space from the cold more effectively.

Insulated Basement Walls

The EverLast basement wall panels offered by TBF use 2 1/2 inches of high-density foam insulation, 1/2 inch of hard cement board, and a decorative vinyl covering for a stylish, reliable construction that can hold as much as 300 pounds (136kg) without breaking, buckling or failing. TBF wall paneling is installed without wood or metal framing or studs, as well. Wood and other organic materials can get moldy and rot when in a damp environment like a basement.

Before adding insulation or finishing the basement, Energy Star recommends finding and plugging all air leaks. Big holes that can be found hiding in the attic or basement should be plugged first. You should also take control of moisture in your home to improve the effectiveness of your sealing and insulation.

Energy Efficient Basement Windows

Getting the right basement windows can drastically improve the energy-efficiency in your home. Low-quality windows allow heat to escape and cold drafts to get in. TBF's EverLast basement windows are made out of crystal-clear double thermopane glass with an R-insulation of 2.94, and an all-vinyl frame. Unlike metal or wooden framed windows, they will never rot, support mold growth, or rust, and will never need to be repainted.

Basement Floors

Heat rises in a home, so only about 1% of a home's energy is lost through the basement floor. Therefore, insulating the basement floor is not as beneficial as insulating the basement walls or basement windows.  However, a homeowner who uses the basement is going to be in continuous contact with the floor, and this homeowner will want the floor to be a warm, comfortable surface.

If you install tile, carpeting or other materials on the floor, cold and moisture from the floor will start to collect. Anything organic will rot, and the cold surface will be unpleasant to walk on. It's best to first install an insulated sub-floor that will create a thermal break between the cold concrete and the floor surface. 

The Total Basement Finishing ThermalDry Flooring is inorganic and will never rot or grow mold. The tiles sit on raised pegs, forming an airspace underneath that allows the flooring's surface to be as much as ten degrees warmer than the concrete below! Available in carpeted and tiled designs, there's a color and style to match everyone's tastes!

Energy Star Dehumidifier

TBF of Johnson County's Energy Star approved dehumidifier will dry your basement and clean the air while using minimal energy. The SaniDry XP basement air system will take four times the water out of the air as a typical dehumidifier while using the same amount of energy. It's the perfect energy efficient dehumidifier for your eco-friendly house.

View our Product Page for more information about our basement finishing products.

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