Building Net Zero Energy Homes

In every large demographic group, including high-income families, no fewer than 55% complain of high electricity costs. A ZNE home would eliminate this concern and result in real savings. The average cost of electricity for a US internet household is around $150 per month, so the annual savings for many homes would exceed $2,000.

Foster energy security, resilience, and even independence

A core challenge of achieving ZNE is the homeowner's energy consumption is misaligned with the home's energy production. Energy production can be higher or lower than energy consumption, depending on the time of day, day of the week, or season. With the inclusion of battery storage, a ZNE will allow households to maintain normal electricity during longer blackout periods compared to homes with only some of the ZNE features (energy-efficient envelope, home automation, solar, etc.).

These homes are also well-positioned to be set up for "islanding" or complete independence from the electrical grid, either by including a large gas-burning generator or batteries to power the home when the sun isn't shining. These additions would be costly, but for consumers with the means and motivation, the energy-efficient build of ZNE homes and the frequent inclusion of home automation could help the solar, generator, and battery power sources handle all the household's energy needs.

The ZNE building process begins with the design and construction of the building envelope by reducing air leakage and energy loss and purposeful ventilation. For example, 4' x 6’ walls are filled with insulation and then covered with exterior insulation. Attic insulation is critical to minimizing energy loss and is often minimal in traditional construction. The heating and cooling ducts are tightly sealed and placed in the conditioned space to minimize energy loss. Windows and doors are high performance and placed for maximum daylighting and passive solar heating.

Once the building shell is as efficient as possible, all interior appliances, lighting, and equipment are selected: LED lighting and Energy Star? heating and cooling equipment and appliances. Smart communicating thermostats are installed. Then, set points are programmed to minimize energy use, and occupants are trained. These steps result in a near zero or zero ready home.

By adding enough energy production onsite, the home can become zero net energy efficient

This excerpt is from a?Parks Associates?white paper in partnership with?Nice Group , “Building Net Zero Homes with Home Management Systems,” written by Jennifer Kent, Ph.D. , VP, Research, Parks Associates . To access this complimentary white paper, visit:?https://online.flippingbook.com/view/607603400/