DOE Tour of Zero: The First DOE Zero Energy Ready Retrofit by Green Extreme Homes and Carl Franklin Homes

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Green Extreme Homes, in partnership with Carl Franklin Homes, provided a gut-rehab to this 1953 suburban home in Garland, Texas. This became the nation’s first renovated home certified to the U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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The 60-year-old home outperforms most brand new homes, achieving a Home Energy Rating System score of 59, well below the typical new home HERS score of 100, along with $6,000 per year of expected annual energy cost savings compared to a new home built to the 2009 energy code.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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Professionally installed, high-efficiency windows contribute significant energy savings.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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Original hardwood oak flooring was one of the few things retained from the interior of the existing home.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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An army of volunteers worked with Carl Franklin Homes and Green Extreme to renovate the 1,270-square-foot home, which went to a disabled veteran.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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A balanced fresh air system provides filtered fresh air throughout the home. The outgoing exhaust air, and incoming fresh air, exchange heat for energy savings and improved comfort.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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The original hardwood oak flooring was one of the few things retained from the interior of the renovated home.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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An ultra-efficient enclosure is created by installing R-39 closed-cell spray foam at the ceiling and under the floor (5.5 inches), and R-22 closed-cell foam inside the existing wall framing (3.5 inches). This thermal blanket contributes to enhanced quiet and comfort as well as a whole-house draft barrier.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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All of the appliances and plumbing are replaced with water-saving fixtures and high-efficiency appliances, including an ENERGY STAR-labeled clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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After gutting the walls, a sprayer applies sealant to large cracks and seams and then fills the 2-by-4 walls with spray foam.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin
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As the original drywall and flooring are removed, insulation voids in the walls, attic, and crawlspace are exposed. After repairing framing, spray foam is applied everywhere to help transform the home into a Zero Energy Ready Home.
Photo courtesy of Green Extreme / Carl Franklin

"It’s like a dream come true."

DOE Tour of Zero: First DOE Zero Energy Ready Retrofit by Green Extreme Homes and Carl Franklin Homes infographic: Lewisville, TX; carlfranklinhomes.com. 1,270 square feet, HERS score 59, $40 bill, $600 annual savings, $25,000 saved in the first 30 years.
Key features list: High-performance insulation system for enhanced quiet and comfort, comprehensive draft protection, fresh air system for cleaner indoor air, high-efficiency comfort system, energy-efficient appliances and advanced lighting technology for

"It’s amazing. I’ve seen it from day 1. I couldn’t even imagine what they were going to do to this home. When I got into it, it blew me away. I still cry for joy. It’s like a dream come true. I can’t wait to see the energy I’m going to save on this home knowing the way it’s been redone."

– Homeowner Bonnie