BEHIND THE WALLS

Homebuyers often focus on what they can see — finishes, colors, architectural details — but some of the most important aspects of a home are hidden from view. Those wires, pipes and insulation between the studs and behind the sheetrock make all the difference in a home’s comfort and efficiency. Here’s a look at those invisible — but all-important — elements.

A STUDY IN EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency begins at the construction phase of a home, and what goes inside the walls is key. Innovations in insulation from spray-in, closed-cell varieties (some of which are made from such eco-friendly substances as soy) to high-performing foam board and such materials as fiberglass, rock wool and slag wool help make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient, reducing humidity and lowering heating and cooling costs.

“Energy efficiency is the hot button for most people for many reasons,” says C.R. Herro, vice president of Environmental Affairs for Meritage Homes. “It represents the opportunity to save tens of thousands of dollars over their mortgage.”

Herro notes that the projected 30-year utility savings on a Meritage home built in 2012 is more than $70,000 — a significant amount of money in any homeowner’s budget.

Meritage has recently introduced Hercuwall homes, which feature wall panels insulated with poured-in-place concrete. This process also provides superior sound insulation and hurricane resistance — and even discourages termites.

Energy efficiency, largely achieved through effective insulation, is also a hallmark for Ashton Woods Homes, according to Lance Gilmet, the company’s vice president of operations.

“We’re really proud of our energy efficiency package through Environments for Living,” he says. That’s a national program designed to assist builders in constructing and marketing homes using the principles of “building science,” which is the discipline of viewing a home as a family of integrated systems that must all work together.

“How we build a home results in 60 to 70 percent of the energy usage compared to a home built to current building codes,” Gilmet says.

If you’re building, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the insulation as it’s installed, says Ron Haupt of All Elements Mechanical in Longwood. “Prior to the drywall going up, you’ll want to look to make sure the insulation is done properly with no gaps or holes,” he says.

IT’S SHOCKING

The electrical wires inside the walls haven’t changed much over the years, but there are significant changes in where some of the juice that moves through them comes from.

“The biggest change in electric beside efficiency is renewable energy,” says Herro. “The cost to install most quality systems has continued to drop, so the monthly cost to finance a solar system is now less than the value of the energy it makes.”

He notes that solar panel designs have continued to evolve and improve and can be integrated seamlessly into a home’s roof. Plus, he adds, the systems are smarter. They can make electricity, hot water and control the thermostat while providing performance monitoring.”

Another technological trend is low-voltage wiring, the kind that helps power a variety of communications, security and entertainment devices. Category 5, often called “Cat 5” is Ethernet cable that transmits data at high speeds. “And now there’s an even faster Cat 6,” says Bob Filebark of CenturyLink.

Homeowners who stream video, have multiple computers or require fast Internet access and download capability will want to ensure that their home is adequately wired to accommodate their needs.

PIPE DOWN

The pipes in your walls carry water in and out of your home. Simple enough, right? Still, says Herro, there have been a number of innovations.

Three main advancements in plumbing, Herro says, are new materials, such as PEX, that are stronger, more durable, and more efficient than copper; new fixtures that use less water; and new “smart” controllers that operate on-demand hot water recirculation and weather-sensing irrigation systems.

“All of these technologies give you better performance and reduce waste, and therefore cost,” notes Herro.

Plumbing that makes use of “greywater” — wastewater from sinks, showers and baths that can be recycled and reused onsite for flushing toilets and irrigation — hasn’t really caught on yet in residential construction, notes Gilmet, but it’s something to watch for in the future as water becomes a more precious commodity.

CLEAN SWEEP

Central vacuum systems are another high-tech, behind-the-walls advance. Gilmet has one in his own home. “I love it,” he says. “It’s great, especially if you have a hard surface floor.”

Central vacuum systems offer such features as kick-on suction, floor-level dustpans, HEPA filters and suction that’s many times more powerful than a conventional vacuum.

Central vacuum systems can also improve the overall air quality in a home, a particularly important consideration for households with allergy sufferers.

WHAT’S BUGGING YOU?

Built-in pesticide application systems can treat your home for pests without spraying inside. Tubes are installed inside the walls, but with external access so that chemicals can be applied from outside.

This dramatically reduces chemical exposure in the home’s living area while also effectively combating insects, including termites, roaches and other pests.

AIR APPARENT

And don’t forget that all-important fifth wall: the ceiling. Not only are there electrical and plumbing elements running above the ceiling, that’s also where the ductwork for the home’s heating and cooling is located.

Well-insulated ductwork that’s free of leaks and kinks is key, notes Haupt. “How you support the ductwork is also important,” he says. “It should be supported every four to five feet, and all 90-degree turns should be smooth.”
This ensures unobstructed airflow, which will result in a better-performing system.

HVAC, wiring, plumbing and might not be as much fun to consider as a gourmet cooktop, spa tub or designer light fixtures. But those items wouldn’t even be possible without the wiring, plumbing and other hidden elements that keep our homes running smoothly.

So just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask about it.

The Ashton Woods Homes’ Environments for Living program emphasizes technology and efficiency. The cutaway drawing above illustrates seven basic components of the program: 

1  Tight Construction. Special framing techniques and improved insulation systems help reduce internal leaks and drafts; 

2  Fresh-Air Ventilation. Efficient delivery and filtration systems reduce dust, odors and indoor contaminates; 

3  Improved Insulation Systems. Enhanced insulation and framing techniques help minimize voids and gaps while the use of Low-E glass and higher thermal properties add to increased energy efficiency; 

4  Right-Sized HVAC Equipment. High SEER-rated equipment, multiple air ducts and return air grilles help stimulate fresh-air ventilation, decrease humidity and reduce energy usage; 

5  Pressure Balancing. Return air ducts, transfer grilles or jumper ducts help balance pressure throughout the home, enabling air to circulate more easily; 

6  Interior Moisture Management. Using right-sized HVAC systems, multiple air ducts and return-air grilles helps dry moisture that naturally passes thorough the home; and 

7  Combustion Safety. Combustion appliances are sealed or power-vented to help avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide.