Note: This blog post features Logix ICF, the predecessor to Element ICF. For the most up-to-date benefits and insights, we encourage you to explore our latest Element ICF Blog Posts.
Power lines weave our communities into a network of interdependence. Although highly efficient, this makes us vulnerable to natural disasters that can shut down an entire area. Trees fall, lightening strikes and flood waters wash away support structures. Fixing this network may take days or even weeks.
You can’t stop the power from going out, but you can minimize the effects of it. The biggest danger from a power outage is either freezing or heat exhaustion caused by the HVAC not running. That’s right—not only does air conditioning not work, but furnace or heat sources also turn off because thermostats and fans rely on electricity to operate. Fuel lines can also be disrupted during a power outage.
What can you do? Well, you won’t miss what you don’t need. In other words, if you build a high performance, super insulated house with Logix ICF, you’ll be able to maintain a relatively constant temperature in your home even without supplemental heating or cooling during a power outage. Designing your house with passive cooling and heating based on the site location can also further reduce the need for mechanical support for heating and cooling.
And solar panels don’t work during a power outage either. For the safety of line workers, solar panels’ power inverters automatically shut down during power outages, and a poorly insulated house will quickly reach the same temperature as the outdoors. That could spell disaster.
Building your home with Logix ICF effectively decouples comfort and safety from reliance on the power grid. The less reliant your home is on power to maintain a comfortable temperature, the more resilient it is to natural disasters. So stock up on water and staples, and prepare for emergencies. Then be thankful to have a home built with the strong bones and insulating blanket of Logix ICF.
