DOE Tour of Zero: The Advanced Efficiency Home by Palo Duro Homes
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Palo Duro Homes of Albuquerque, New Mexico, certified this affordable high-performance home as a U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Even without a solar electric system, this high-efficiency home is expected to save its homeowners about $1,000 per year in energy costs compared to a minimum-code home.
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Proper site grading will quickly drain any water away from the slab-on-grade foundation as part of the home’s water protection system. The rigid foam insulation under the slab and along the slab edges is an important part of the home's high-efficiency enclosure.
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Water-saving fixtures that meet the EPA WaterSense criteria and a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR-labeled dishwasher help save energy and water.
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High-efficiency advanced wall framing techniques like 2-by-6 wall studs spaced 24 rather than 16 inches apart and open headers above windows on non-load-bearing walls save on lumber costs while allowing more room for insulation.
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High-efficiency dual-pane windows include invisible heat-reflecting coatings on the glass and argon gas between the panes to reduce heat transfer.
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Oriented strand board, free of dangerous formaldehyde contaminants, sheaths the advanced framed walls.
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A double layer of building paper and proper flashing provides an effective wall water barrier system, while ice-and-water shield, more heavy-duty felt, and metal flashing provide an effective roof water barrier system. The underside of the roof is sprayed with a thick layer of open-cell spray foam providing a conditioned space for the interior comfort delivery system, providing heated and cooled air from an ultra-efficient heat pump (21 SEER / 10 HSPF).
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Wire mesh has been installed over the wall water barrier system in preparation for stucco cladding.