Products We Like for Energy Conscious Homeowners
Dual Flush Toilets
Especially for homes in Colorado, dual-flush toilets deserve a solid look. Many toilet manufacturers include a dual-flush model:
- Caroma - www.caromausa.com
- Kohler - www.kohler.com
- Mansfield - www.mansfieldplumbing.com
- Vitra - www.vitra-bathrooms.com
There have been remarkable developments in toilet manufacturing recently. The days of low-water-use toilets that don't work may not be gone, but there are many models that work admirably.
New testing protocols, better designs and better materials all play a part in the availability of toilets that work well and save a lot of water.
For more technical information please see:
- California Urban Water Conservation Council - www.cuwcc.org
Soy based spray-in-place insulation
There are now several companies that sell soy based open-cell polyurethane. These companies are actively seeking clients along the front range. This product is intriguing because it appears to have performance characteristics that are similar to conventional petroleum-based spray-in-place systems. There are two potential benefits to using a soy-based foam: lower cost and better environmental performance.
Spray-in-place foam systems have long been the ultimate in insulation systems. However, high cost has hampered market penetration. If you consider how difficult it is to get quality air sealing and insulation performance from systems that aren't sprayed or blown-in, it may be worth the extra cost.
Although sprayed-in-place foams are still considered a premium product, they may become increasingly attractive to clients who seek high-performance homes and are willing to pay for them.
Reference:
- HealthySeal™
- Soy Foam™ - www.soyfoam.com
- BioBased Systems - www.biobased.net
Grain of Salt
Every few years, we see a new marketing push from a manufacturer of ceramic impregnated paint. While there are certain applications in which such paints may make sense, it is best to do research before you buy.
Reference:








