DOE Tour of Zero: Via del Cielo by Palo Duro Homes

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Palo Duro built this 2,215-square-foot home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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The stucco cladding covers energy-saving wall framing with 2-by-6 studs spaced 24-inch on-center that are sealed at all seams with sealant and filled with R-21 of blown fiberglass. A double layer of tar paper provides a drainage plane over the sheathing that allows water to drain even when the stucco bonds to the first layer.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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High-efficiency ENERGY STAR appliances add to the water and energy savings.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Compact fluorescent lights provide high-efficiency lighting without adding heat while ENERGY STAR-rated ceiling fans provide efficient cooling through air flow.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Rigid foam insulation is used to wrap the exterior foundation walls and under the perimeter of the slab for more significant energy savings and more comfortable floors.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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The home’s second-story rooms stay warm in winter and cool in the summer thanks to extensive air sealing with a sprayer-applied sealant that stops air leaks at framing seams and holes in the attic while a thick blanket of blown fiberglass in the attic provides an R-75 layer of thermal protection.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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The certified EPA Indoor airPLUS home uses low- and no-VOC paints, finishes, wood products, and carpets to help minimize indoor air pollutants while an energy recovery ventilator operates continuously to provide fresh filtered air throughout the home.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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While ceiling fans and open windows may provide enough cooling during Santa Fe’s shoulder seasons, ultra-efficient mini-split heat pumps (16.5 SEER, 9.5 HSP) are ducted to provide warm and cool air to every room in the house during the winter and summer months.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Water-saving EPA WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption and energy used to heat water with the 95% efficient tankless water heater.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes
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Palo Duro emphasizes comfort and indoor air quality in its marketing displays and believes its 100% commitment to DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes has helped the company to become a leader in every market it serves.
Photo courtesy of Palo Duro Homes

“In our markets, we are either the leading builder or in the top three.”

DOE Tour of Zero: Via del Cielo by Palo Duro Homes: Albuquerque, NM; palodurohomes.com. 2,215 square feet, HERS score 48, $120 average monthly energy bill, $900 annual savings, $35,000 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

“Since we only build 100% zero energy-ready homes, our entire business plan is based this. Our measure of success is sales. In our markets, we are either the leading builder or in the top three. Since going 100% zero energy ready, we have seen our average sales price increase by $30,000!”

– Tom Wade, Palo Duro Homes

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