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LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
EF stands for energy factor. An EF rating measures how energy efficient a water heater is. A straightforward way to see if your water heater is efficient is to look for the energy star label. While EF water filters are often a high price initially, they can reduce monthly energy bills instantly.
Geothermal heat pumps work by relying on the consistent temperature of the earth. Even when outdoor temperatures drop significantly, the ground temperature stays relatively warm. Rather than a furnace that creates hot air, a geothermal heat pump takes existing hot air in the earth, concentrates it, and moves it into the home through a system of in-ground pipes.
The geothermal heat pump works by using a compressor. The compressor produces extra heat, which is used to pre-heat your domestic water heater. The heat exchanger deposits the heat into your hot water tank, which then heats the water.
This process is only done when the geothermal heat pump is running, so it cannot supply 100% of your hot water needs, but it is estimated that it can provide between 50-60% of your hot water needs with your hot water tank providing the rest.
A central location for your plumbing system can prevent temperature losses by reducing travel time for water. The farther that water must travel to come out of the faucet, the more temperature it loses and the more water you will have to run. Putting your water heater system in a more centralized location reduces the distance water needs to travel, reducing energy bills as it produces less wasted water.
A central heating system costs less and uses a less powerful load than individual heating systems. Maintaining several individual heaters costs more than just having one.
Insulation sleeves on water piping can save money on energy costs by preventing temperature loss that often occurs when the air around the pipe makes temperature control more difficult.
For more intense colder weather, having insulated pipes prevents bursts which can severely damage your home and cause many moisture and mold problems.
