LifeStyle Homes built this 2,104-square-foot home in Melbourne, Florida, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
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With energy-efficient construction and a 6.8-kW solar photovoltaic electric generation system, this house is expected to produce as much electricity as the home uses in a year, plus enough to help power an electric car.
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Even without the photovoltaic panels, the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home should reduce energy bills by more than $900 compared to a home built to code. With the PV added, homeowners can expect to see energy costs savings of more than $2,200 a year.
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The home uses low- and no-VOC wood products, primer, paint, cabinets, and flooring that limit the release of air contaminants.
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ENERGY STAR exhaust fans over the range and in bathrooms pull contaminants and moisture out of the building and help the home to meet the ventilation requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor airPLUS program.
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The home qualifies for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS program, and ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Version 3.1, and achieves the insulation requirements of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
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The refrigerator and dishwasher are certified as high-efficiency ENERGY STAR appliances.
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This heat pump water heater is two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.
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A high-efficiency heat pump heats and cools the home.
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The solar-photovoltaic electric generation system helps to charge this electric car.
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The foil surface on the underside of the roof deck is a radiant barrier that blocks heat from the sun to keep it from entering the home.
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Insulation fills the wall cavities to help provide a thermal blanket around the house.
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Spray foam insulation covers the underside of a portion of the roof deck to create a conditioned space where the ductwork is located.
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Radiant barrier insulation on the walls blocks heat from the sun to keep it from entering the home.
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Durable masonry walls provide resistance to high winds. Careful window flashing helps to protect the home against water leaks.