Better and Best: Energy Efficiency at Armory Park del Sol

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.).