Residence Design Services
Did you know that a towel warmer uses more energy than a modern refrigerator? Why do super-efficient homes require higher levels of dehumidification than conventionally constructed homes? (read our Equinox House section on moisture) What are the differences between CFLs, halogen lamps and LEDs? Can a house be illuminated with only LEDs? (yes…see our Equinox features section on lighting). What are heat pump water heaters and ventless heat pump clothes dryers? (read our Appliance Design magazine article on appliance impact on super-efficient homes and see our Equinox House features section on appliances) Can I have a window that faces north? (see our Equinox House windows feature section and our column in the ASHRAE Journal on windows) Where should insulation be placed on my foundation? (see our ASHRAE Journal column on foundation heat transfer) Does a vapor barrier go on the inside or outside of my house(it never goes on both!)? How large should a rainwater collection cistern be, and can it be used in the winter with freezing temperatures? (read about rainwater harvesting and the raingarden in our Equinox House features) And, and…?
There are lots of questions, and the answers to these questions require engineering analyses. Neither shooting-from-the-hip nor wish’in-and-a-hop’in design methods will produce a functional house.
Newell Instruments can help you design the whole house or just a portion. Seemingly simple things such as running ductwork within conditioned space and designing electrical and plumbing runs that do not penetrate the conditioned shell are important for reducing construction cost and attaining the building performance you desire. How will you know if your construction crews properly sealed seams as instructed? What tests can be performed to determine if the ventilation system is working properly? Whether simulation modeling predictions, construction management assistance, or residential performance verification, we can work with you to ensure your projects are successful.
