Going Green to Save
the Environment!
What is DAC-Art?
Geothermal Air Conditioning
Roofing
Insulation
Instant Water Heater
Energy Efficient Windows
Viking
Induction Cook-Top
No need for
paint!
What is
DAC-Art?
This website cannot pretend to convey all of the
virtues of the building system used by the Goldens to construct their new
home. Instead we would recommend anyone interested in this system to
visit Ted Dial's website to explore whether this system is right for
you. What we can say without any eqivocation is that we have
thouroughly enjoyed the whole process of working with Ted Dial from the
design phase through every step of the building process. It has been an
experience that we would not have wanted to go through with anyone other
than Ted. He has been available and accessible throughout the
construction process. He designed a beautiful home, manufactured its
components, and was a complete pleasure to talk with about all aspects of
the project.
Geothermal Heat
Pump:
As opposed to using a conventional air-conditioning
unit, the Goldens will use a geothermal heat pump. The temperature
below the earth's crust stays relatively constant year round.
The geothermal system utilizes the constant temperature below the earth's
surface to cool the house in the summer and heat it in the winter.
Closed loop wells are installed in the ground which circulate water
into the inside unit. The water from the closed loops arrive inside
the house and need only be warmed or cooled slightly to be untilized by
the unit located inside the mechanical closet. The process uses the
water similarly to the radiators in our cars. Through this process
substantial energy savings can be obtained. The Goldens have also
gained the use of outside space which otherwise would have been taken
up by noisy outside compressors. There is no need for gasses
and compressors to cool the air. The only energy needed to cool the
house is the energy required to run a very small well pump and a fan to
circulate the air through the house.
Roofing Insulation
The Goldens intend
to use an insulated roof system. So far no decision has been made as
they are discussing options with John Ruble of Bayou Plantation
Homes.
Instant Water
Heater
Instaed of using a hot water heater which stays on
all of the time the water for the kitchen and bathrooms will be heated
instantly with wall units installed in the mechanical room. This system
has the added benefit of saving space which would otherwise be taken up be
the water heater.
Energy Efficient
Windows
See Kolbe for the insulated qualities of
their windows. Casements will be used throughout the house to catch
breezes during pleasant evenings but must be constructed in such a
way as to withstand Katrina hurricane force winds.
Viking Induction Cook-Top
See the
Viking Range website to compare induction to gas and standard radiant
technolgies. Professional chefs like induction ranges because the
kitchen does not become intolerably hot during the process of creating a
fabulous feast.
No
need for paint!
With stone walls inside and out there is
very little to paint. There is almost no waste generated in
installing the concrete blocks. Any broken pieces can be used for
something else or crushed and used as fill.
©Golden Roc | Patrick
Golden