Sunroc Builders built this 1,104-square-foot home in Winter Haven, Florida, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
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ENERGY STAR–rated light-colored asphalt shingles help reflect heat, reducing solar gain during the hot weather in the Florida home.
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The energy-efficiency features built into the compact, affordable home are expected to reduce energy bills by 36% compared to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
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The kitchen is equipped with an energy-saving ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator and dishwasher.
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EPA WaterSense-labeled fixtures save water in the bathrooms.
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The high-efficiency windows use advanced technology coatings and argon gas between two panes to reduce heat transfer.
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The home is equipped with a programmable thermostat to operate the high-efficiency (15 SEER) air-to-air heat pump, which is located within the conditioned space created by the structural insulated panel (SIP) framed roof.
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Bathroom exhaust fans are timer-operated to encourage removal of moisture from the home.
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The high-efficiency heat pump water heater is centrally located in a laundry room so that all hot water uses are less than 15 feet from the tank.
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Air-sealing details at the foundation include a sill-sealing foam gasket and two beads of caulk on the 2-by-6 sill plate, which will serve as a spline at the lower edge of the SIP wall panel.
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SIPs are precision cut in a factory and come to the site ready for quick assembly with almost no waste.
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The uninsulated concrete floor slab will be stained and polished to serve as the home’s finished floor.
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A 6-milimeter vapor barrier protects the underside of the slab from ground moisture.
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The home’s 6.5-inch-thick SIP wall panels provide a continuous R-26 thermal blanket around the home.
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Construction adhesive glues and seals the splines that are used to connect the SIP panels together for airtight, draft-free construction.