What is a SEEFI (Safe Energy Efficient Foam Insulated) Home? The concept is simple, as we all know warm air seeks cold air.  Insulation R-values vary (R=Resistance to air flow).  The Energy codes today require us to seal the interior of the home thus providing the need for mechanical devices to help maintain the interior of the home.  These devices don't eliminate the heat transfer through the vapor retarder used to seal the interior.  Heat transfer through the interior seal allows warm air to meet cold, then causing a dew point to emerge which in time will cause further problems to the Quality built home.  (See Quality Construction versus SEEFI Home.)  With a SEEFI Home the use of 2x4 wall construction and 1-1/2" Styrofoam causes the dew point to move into the Styrofoam; the end result is a warm wall cavity that prevents cold movements and decay.  Please note that SEEFI homes are sometimes referred to as Green Built Homes.

Define "Quality." Other builders use this phrase as a plus. I believe that another term for "Quality" could be "Standard."  It's what the competition is doing, why change?  I believe the "Standard" needs to be raised, that's why we're introducing you to the SEEFI Home.

Why don't other builders change their techniques? Maybe they're okay with the "Quality" of your home and they believe the "Standard" is good enough.  They may be so busy with "Quality" work that they have no time to research the technology we have today.  I continue to take the time to research and improve the SEEFI Home.

Is it okay to build with 2x4 walls?  Yes, building codes allow it.  I asked a prominent builder "Why do you use 2x6 walls?   His answer "Structural Integrity of the home."  The correct answer should have been that builders started using 2x6 walls in the 70's when energy prices started increasing.  Builders needed a solution- so someone started using 2x6 walls and increasing the R-Value in the wall cavity.  Everyone jumped onboard.  Today we are faced with rising home prices, code changes and again rising energy prices.  The SEEFI home works to alleviate these issues.

Why should I build a SEEFI  (or Green) Home?  The homes are superior products.  They save money on monthly utility bills, require less maintenance and have less negative environmental impact.  Green building is becoming increasingly popular.

• Building is not complicated.  Some people go to great lengths to build green- generating their own renewable power, for example.  Others build green by installing extra insulation or energy efficient appliances.  Choose the level that works for you, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the changes you made are good for you and the environment.

  
  

• Consumers are concerned with building green.  According to the green building experts at Green$mart, national and regional surveys indicate that 97% of consumers consider energy/environmental features and savings a priority.

  
  

• SEEFI/Green building is no more expensive than traditional building when considering real costs.Many of our techniques can be applied at little or no additional cost.   Plus when operational costs - such as heating, cooling and water use - are factored in, SEEFI/Green buildings often cost less over time.  Thanks to the green building movement, structures built today are typically twice as energy efficient as those built 30 years ago.  Dishwashers use 40 percent less water, the amount of energy needed to run a washing machine has dropped 45 percent, and toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to four in the 1970s.

  
  

What is an energy efficient loan?  It is a mortgage that's been around since the Energy Policy Act of 1982.  Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service reported "the theory behind them is simple.  If you can reduce your monthly energy costs, then extra money can be put toward the mortgage."  They went on to say "Here's how they work.  You're considering buying one of two homes.  The first one is standard.  The second one costs $5000 more but has a number of energy-efficient features.  When you look at the costs of each home - the purchase price plus the monthly operating costs - the more expensive house is actually going to be cheaper."  Click here for more information.

  Tim Miller Construction Inc.