Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 10:08 am
Douglas Dispatch
Posted on
December 11, 2013
Building energy efficient homes was the topic at last Thursday’s Douglas Chamber of Commerce luncheon which was attended by approximately 20 people.
Judy Guentzler-Collins, a local architect who graduated from Douglas High School, Cochise College and the University of Arizona, delivered a 30 minute presentation on how to make your home more energy efficient whether building it or remodeling it.
She explained what materials would be best and how to place your home to get the best resources in summer and winter.
Guentzler-Collins explained how the sun changes from summer to winter and that could affect the home. Window sizes are another factor.
She encouraged people to select materials manufactured from post and pre-consumer recyclables. She also encouraged the use of alternative materials such as structurally insulated panels or insulated concrete forms or straw bale construction.
Guentzler-Collins also provided some ideas on how to lower your utility bills by selecting quality windows and doors, insulate better, select Energy Star appliances, thermal solar systems and selecting shady vegetation.
Guentzler-Collins also shared some water saving tips which include installing water harvesting systems, using the county required gray water system, installing low flow plumbing fixtures and using native drought tolerant landscaping.
How to make your home healthier and how does your indoor quality compare to the outdoor quality was also discussed.
There were also garage and carport tips offered to avoid carbon monoxide from entering the home.
There will be a Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting Thursday from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the El Chef restaurant on 11th Street and A Ave.
The next chamber luncheon will take place at 11:45 in the patio of the DUSD Administration Building.
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Wednesday, December 11, 2013 10:08 am.
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