Frequently Asked Questions
Green Construction
Can a green house really heat and cool itself without any electricity?
Absolutely. Convection currents, constantly cool underground temperatures, and natural heating by sunlight do all of the work.
A basement is required for the geothermal heating and cooling cycles to work. How is it possible to have a basement in South Florida?
Soil removed during the construction of the foundation can be built up around the lowest floor of the house in order to create an above ground basement, which will allow the systems to operate.
Is there a backup just in case the system can’t keep up with temperature change?
Yes, a low power air conditioner and heater can pick up the slack during extreme conditions.
What happens to inside temperatures during and after a hurricane?
The insulating properties of the outer wall will prevent temperature change while a hurricane passes, and after the storm the cooling cycle will resume even if electricity fails.
What does it mean to be a LEED Accredited Professional?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifies members based on their knowledge and application of the Green Building Rating System, which helps classify environmentally friendly construction.
Green Technology
What is the easiest thing I should do to make my house greener?
Every time a light bulb in your house goes out, replace it with a compact fluorescent light bulb.
Can I afford to put solar panels on my house?
The great thing about solar panels is that one or a couple of panels will reduce your electricity bill and help the environment. Solar panels are also a solid investment because they generate valuable electricity, which Florida Power and Light is happy to exchange for a lower electricity bill.
If I go completely solar, what will happen to the systems in my house during days of heavy cloud cover?
The house will pull its electricity from the power grid instead of the sun, and your backup electric or gas water heater will keep your showers hot while your solar system is offline.
Is a gas-powered heat appliance, such as a stove or water heater, better or worse for the environment than a similar electrical appliance?
In most cases, the electricity for your stove comes from burning fossil fuels to boil water, spin turbines, and produce DC electricity, which is then transformed to AC electricity and transported to your home, where it is pumped through the elements in your stove to produce heat through electrical resistance. As you can imagine, it is far more efficient to simply burn the fossil fuel in your home to cook your food or heat your water.
Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to give you the answers!