Need input from ICF homeowners
Last Post 03 Mar 2018 11:30 AM by jdebree. 2 Replies.
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Amanda MoenUser is Offline
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23 Feb 2018 11:34 PM
Hello, I'm working on a class group project for my software engineering school. We are working on coming up with an idea for the final group project. I need some data from all of you who live in an ICF home. How much is your power bill, compared to a stick-built house of similar size? How large is your home, square footage wise? How much is your homeowners insurance, compared to a stick-built house of similar size? Where is your home? what is the geography/weather like in your area? What, if any, natural disasters are more common to your region? Thank you in advance. If we go with this idea, I will send you a link to the finalized project.
DilettanteUser is Offline
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24 Feb 2018 01:08 PM
Wish I could provide the info you want. But I cannot.

One thing you may want to do is clarify "stick built" as a "code-built", traditionally framed home.

Because it IS possible to build stick-frame, air-seal to-a-fair-thee-well, insulate the crap out of it, and reduce the energy input costs.
In other words, ICF is merely one means (of many) to an end (lower energy consumption and greater comfort).
jdebreeUser is Offline
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03 Mar 2018 11:30 AM
We are in upstate SC, near the mountains. Our small (1400 sq ft) ICF house is very comfortable and efficient. Unfortunately, I have no experience living here in a 'traditional' house, so I don't know how we compare. Our homeowner's insurance is very inexpensive, at least compared to when we lived in FL, but I don't think we get any savings compared to a stick-built house. Our weather here is pretty mild, but we have large temperature swings. Typical summer highs are in the low 90's, but we hit 107 one summer. Summer lows are around 70. Winter lows are in the mid 30's, with single digits a couple times a year. What is more telling is the Manual J findings I did before selecting our HVAC system. For heat, we need only 12,000 BTU's, or one ton. For cooling, it is only 9K BTU, or 3/4 ton. As a result, central systems were too big to be efficient, so we use a single 12K BTU mini-split (ductless) heat pump. We have a second 9K unit in the master suite, but we rarely use it. Summer cooling adds only $20/month to our power bill, winter heating costs about $40/month peak. We go for long periods without any HVAC at all. We shut the heat off about a month ago (unusual) and with a little luck, may not need it again until May or June. The house is very slow to change temperature.

We have a full, walk-out basement without HVAC. It gets down to about 60 in the winter, and peaks about 75 in the summer. Again, without HVAC at all.
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