Zero energy ready homes are coming
energy.gov
Zero energy ready homes are coming
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Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#2Interesting. Is there a good consise page detailing the main differences between this and older standards? Stuff like cost and ease of maintenance comparisons?
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#3Not pictured, the homes that won't be built because the regulatory regime has either outlawed them or priced them out of profitable existence.
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#4Interesting. Is there a good consise page detailing the main differences between this and older standards? Stuff like cost and ease of maintenance comparisons?
I’m also curious if there is a path to upgrade existing homes to this standard or do you have to demolish and rebuild (which is not legal in many cities).
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#5Interesting. Is there a good consise page detailing the main differences between this and older standards? Stuff like cost and ease of maintenance comparisons?
no, it's just a feel good PR campaign
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#6"Zero-energy ready homes" or "Zero energy-ready homes"?
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#7There are some good ideas here that I hope take off like ventilating dehumidifiers. So much of what we perceive as discomfort in our homes comes down to the humidity rising and stale air.
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#8Interesting. Is there a good consise page detailing the main differences between this and older standards? Stuff like cost and ease of maintenance comparisons?
Things switched from insulating the wall cavity to insulating the outside of the house. Engineers started to factor in the insulation value of a 2x6 compared to the insulation it was next to and the heat loss in cold climates. Same applies for hot climates. Now these homes are being wrapped in insulation on the outside with all joints sealed, then insulated on the inside and essentially pressure tested for air leaks. The houses can be "tight" enough that you have to have a system to cycle in fresh air in a way that it heats/cools it with the air that is leaving. You also need a makeup air vent for things like a stove hood.
There is a new system that before drywall goes up, they pressurize the house and spray a caulk in the air that finds its way to all the pinhole leaks and seals them to further reduce air leaks during the building process.
Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#9Re: Zero energy ready homes are coming
#10Interesting. Is there a good consise page detailing the main differences between this and older standards? Stuff like cost and ease of maintenance comparisons?
There are tax credits to the builder to offset some of the increased up front cost, $2000 + $500 for some systems, and 22% on PV systems. It looks like the homeowner can get a $5000 tax credit for 10 years.
The goal is to transition to housing which can be powered by renewables. To that end there are requirements for the thermal integrity of the envelope and windows, there must be electric run for HVAC heat pumps, hot water heat pumps, and at least one EV parking space. Lighting must be modern high efficiency stuff. Ductwork must be inside the thermal envelope. There are indoor air quality standards to meet.