This article first appeared in the PB June 2003
issue of Pro Builder.
Technology
|
Typical Armory Park del Sol Home $333,000
for 1717 square feet
|
The Zero Energy Home $376,000 for 1717
square feet ($43,000 additional*)
|
Manufacturer
|
User notes
|
Photovoltaic
panels
|
1 kWh
|
3.5 kWh
|
BP Solar
through Dankoff Solar and The Solar Store;
SMA America
(inverters)
|
Additional PV
power accounts for most of the additional cost in the ZEH.
|
HVAC Equipment
|
Heat pump with 12 SEER
cooling, 7.5 HSPF
|
An 18-SEER,
2-speed air conditioning system with variable speed air handler
|
Carrier
|
The high-efficiency air
conditioner in the ZEH takes ½ the usual energy to run; very quiet. Sized to
run at low speed most of the time.
|
Water/space
heating
|
A solar water heater only
(with back-up provided by on-demand tankless water heater)
|
An innovative,
integrated solar water and space heating system (with back-up provided by
on-demand tankless water heater )
|
SunEarth Inc.
(solar collectors);
Seisco
(tankless water heaters)
|
Of all the
energy features in ZEH, the biggest additional installation cost. System is
sized to provide all water and 80% of space heating needs.
|
Plumbing
system for hot water supply
|
Copper
plumbing supply buried in concrete slab
|
PEX plumbing
lines for hot water supply
|
Manifold
provided by Sioux Chief Manufacturing
|
Hot water lines run in
conditioned space in ZEH.
|
Plumbing vents
|
Conventional
through-the-roof plumbing vents
|
Air admittance
vents (AAV)
|
Studor (AAV)
|
A break-even on cost: more
for the AAV, but less on labor and roof vents. The elimination of roof
penetrations is advantageous for the solar installation.
|
High
efficiency windows
|
Double pane,
low-e, vinyl, with argon (Windows have a low solar heat gain coefficient)
|
Double pane,
low-e, vinyl, with argon
|
Milgard
|
NAHB Research Center
simulations showed Miller’s typical
windows were compatible with ZEH requirements.
|
Roof decking
|
Standard OSB
|
Radiant
barrier roof decking
|
TechShield
|
Radiant barrier technology
is advantageous in cooling climate.
|
Lamps and
permanent
fluorescent lighting fixtures
|
Incandescent
lamps and ceiling fans. Permanent fluorescents in garage and kitchen.
|
Permanent
fluorescent lighting used throughout house. Two-lamp fixtures provide
half-dimming.
|
Nora Lighting;
Osram Sylvania
(lamps);
Sun Lighting
(supplier)
|
Super energy efficient
bulbs and fixtures run
an extra $2,800. Saves on
cooling as well as running the lights.
In the ZEH, when possible, decorative lights were fitted with CFLs or supplied with dimmer switch. |
Ceiling fans
|
Ceiling fans
with light kits
|
Energy
efficient ceiling fans without light kits
|
Emerson Fans
|
Fans without light kits
may reduce inadvertent lighting energy use.
|
High
efficiency appliances
|
ENERGY STAR
qualified dishwasher, range and microwave/ ventilating hood combination
|
Additional ENERGY
STAR® qualified appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer)
|
Whirlpool
|
The Duet front-loading
washer will use about 1/3 of the water and energy of conventional washers
|
Bath fans
|
Standard
efficiency fans
|
ENERGY STAR®
qualified bath fans
|
Panasonic
|
High efficiency fans offer
quieter operation as well as cost savings.
|
* Additional cost for a Zero Energy Home is based on aplan built with typical APdS specs. Cost does not reflect homeowner's Sunshare rebate of $5,000 for additional photovoltaics. Pricing reflects upgrade package (appliances, surfaces, fixtures, etc.).
