Energy home is a hit

Harry Mendenhall, exec. v.p., Lumber Merchants Association of Northern Califomia, reports that the industry sponsored Californa Energy Conservation Home in San Jose is drawing strong approval since its recent opening for public inspection.

The Califomia Energy Conservation Home (CECH "77")is unique in that it incorporates all currently known and marketed energy savings techniques and devices into a standard tract home olan that can be constructed and mar- keted for a price close to that of a standard tract home. (see The Merchant, Ian., p. l0).

The standard tract plan was modified to include a plenum system and roof trusses raised 12" at the soffit line to permit 12" of insulation in the attic without compression. 2" x 6" exterior wall studs and 2 x 3 interior wall studs, 24" on center reduce the lumber requirement and permit Rl9 insulation in the side walls.

All appliances, drapes, water con- suming devices and electric lighting are the types that require a fraction of that normally required. A solar system was incorporated to reduce the requirement for heating and domestic hot water.

The project was totally sponsored by industry to prove that contractors can build energy conservation homes at a price highly competitive with the tract homes they are currently building and to inform the general public that they should be buying energy conservation homes rather than the standard tract home without the maximum energy savings incorporation.

Local and State energy officials have viewed the home and have a keen interest in the general application throughout California.

With the serious water shortage in Northern California, the drip irrigation system for lawn care and the drought resistant native plants and shrubs are a necessity and add to the total conservation.

In addition to Mendenhall serving as chairman of the CECH committee, American Wood Council, Electric Construction Industry Council, Pacific Gas & Electric, Electric and Gas Industries Assoc., Pacific Coast Insulation comprised the committee.