The clothes dryer and central vacuum also depressurize the house, so the homeowners are advised to open a window a small amount for optimal performance. In conventional construction, depressurization can cause chimneys and flues to backdraft, or cause radon to be drawn indoors, but this house has no chimneys or flues, and the concrete floor slab prevents the infiltration of radon. Instead, low polluting low temperature hydronic electric baseboard heaters and a small ductless split system air conditioner were selected. The air conditioner uses an HCFC refrigerant rather that a more ozone-destroying CFC refrigerant. In this demonstration house an environmental paint, clear finish, and drywall finishing compound were selected that chemically sensitive individuals often tolerate.
Kitchen cabinets are all-steel with a baked enamel finish.
They will also degrease the drawer rollers and door hinges on special request. Kitchen countertops and shower surrounds are stainless steel. Lavatory tops are vitreous china and bathtubs are porcelainized steel. Softwoods were not used in order to avoid the smell of terpenes indoors. Closet organizers are made of wire mesh with a baked epoxy finish.