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Accessible Home > Episode 11: Energy Efficiency

Installation of the Buderus High Efficiency Boiler

Project: Accessible Home, Episode 11, Part 3

Bob has a visit from Steve Offutt (from the national Energy Star program), who helps explain why efficiency should be the first concern for cost-conscious homeowners buying new appliances.

In the basement, there's a state-of-the-art, ultra-efficient Buderus boiler being installed. Plus, Bob travels all the way to Germany to tour the plant where the boilers are manufactured.

Part 1: Energy-Efficient Boiler Installed
Part 2: Tour of the Buderus Boiler Factory
Part 3: Installation of the Buderus High Efficiency Boiler: Bob talks with factory representative Chris Hoff and heating contractor Peter Lydon during the installation of a Buderus high-efficiency boiler. Several features that improve the unit's efficiency are mentioned, including the boiler's stainless-steel burner tube, insulated jacket, and sophisticated Honeywell controls.

This project follows an urban renewal story, involving grass-roots activism and affordable housing. Bob Vila reports on nine newly built three-bedroom homes, including one with accessibility for people with disabilities.

Also from Accessible Home

Episode 1 - Housing Project Introduced
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Description:
Bob introduces the nine-unit affordable housing project in Roxbury, MA, by touring the neighborhood with the community-based developers from Nuestra Comunidad CDC. Bob shows that here, as is often the case in urban construction projects, soil decontamination is taking place at the same time as foundation excavation. At another site, we meet Arnold Johnson and George Chin, contractors for the accessible hour the job, who show Bob around a unit that's already been framed.
Episode 2 - Framing and Shingling
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Description:
Framing is underway on the unit of the Roxbury project that will be accessible for people with disabilities. George and Arnold (from Crosswinds Enterprises) explain the panelization process and what it takes to get the job done right with a building crew that's as culturally diverse as the community. On the roof, Jack Vieira installs asphalt shingles and flashing, while George installs special blocking inside that will be used to securely mount some safety handrails.
Episode 3 - Installing Siding
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Description:
Arnold (from Crosswinds Enterprises) and Bob demonstrate the easy installation of a special kind of weather- and fire-resistant cementicious siding. In the basement, plumber Gerry Folan and electrician Brad Owens are both busy at work.
Episode 4 - Insulation and Door Installation
Episode 5 - Designing for the Disabled
Episode 6 - Building the Railing System
Episode 7 - Landscaping and Stairs
Episode 8 - Installing a Tankless Water Heater
Episode 9 - Shower Stall and Drywall
Episode 10 - Accessible Fixtures and Elevator
Episode 12 - Lockset Installation
Episode 13 - Accessible Unit Tour

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