Cork can be applied as flooring or on walls with the same benefit. Dayton also recommends American Clay, a veneer clay plaster finish for walls. “It’s energy efficient because it absorbs and releases moisture into the air and can hold 300 times its weight in moisture,” she explains. “It keeps the room balanced air quality-wise and is also an insulator. If you want your home more warm in the winter and you’ve got your temperature set, it will maintain that warmth. And in the summer it will maintain the cool.”
Dayton also advises clients on how to avoid some of the pitfalls of making a home too airtight, which can include air stagnation and moisture buildup that leads to mold growth and other issues; homeowners need to remember to care for the air quality of their space after conducting all the various sealing and insulating measures. She offers her clients advice on products that encapsulate the off-gassing of toxins like formaldehyde from their furniture or millwork. She also advises clients to choose zero-VOC paints like American Pride or to use the American Clay wall covering to limit the amount of chemicals in the air, as well as opting for natural household cleaning products.
Malcarne also notes the downside to too much sealing: air that exchanges at a much slower rate than the mandated two hours and 52 minutes. This can create a slew of condensation-related issues that result in poor air quality and worse. He says to make sure that homeowners do their research and consult with knowledgeable contractors for their work. “Some people are very well-intentioned and misinformed,” he points out.
But the benefits of looking into these home improvements far outweigh the negatives, if done properly. Malcarne notes that with 120 million homes in the US, and some 20 million being built per year, the energy conservation movement is definitely needed. He also mentions that homeowners may be able to receive compensation for their improvements. Through NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), qualifying New York State residents can receive thousands of dollars to put toward their home energy-efficiency renovations. No matter how much a homeowner qualifies for, Malcarne says that this investment is always a smart choice.
“You pay a little more up front, but for the rest of the life of the home it’s saving energy,” he says. “And when you look at the savings there, coupled with increase in comfort, you really have a win-win situation.”
Resources for home efficiency
Williams Lumber
8 locations in the Hudson Valley
(845) 876-7011; www.williamslumber.com
Malcarne Contracting, Inc.
Staatsburg
(800) 798-5844; www.malcarnecontracting.com
Foamco Inc.
Bullville
(800) 407-2240; www.foamcoinc.com
Green Courage
New Paltz
(845) 255-8731; www.greencourage.com
