What’s Net Zero Construction?
1. Design for Zero Net
Begin with the Design. For successful Zero Net Energy Homes it all begins at the design phase.
2. Super seal the Envelope
Set an air tightness standard of from 06 to 1.5 ACH at 50 Pascal.
Use glue, caulking, spray foam, and/or Tape to seal the leaks.
During the sealing process, check for leaks, seal leaks and recheck while the blower door is running. Thsi is called Blower-Door-Guilded air sealing.
3. Super Insulate
For a northern climate fill walls and floor with dense -pack cellulose to R-40.
Blow in loose or dense pack ceiling insulatioin to R-70.
Adjust the above R-values higher or lower for local climate and weather conditions.
4. Minimize Thermal Bridging
Thermal can best be minimized in the design phase.
5. Use Highly Insulated Windows and Doors
Depending on energy modeling, current pricing, and advances in technology, shop for the most cost effective, energy efficient windows.
6. Use the Sun for a Significan Conribution to Heating
Use Sun Tempering which uses the principles of Passive Solar without the thermal mass to partially hear the house.
7. Use the Sun for Hot Water
8. Use the Sun for Electricity
9. Create an Energy Efficient Fresh Air Supply
Use and Air Source heat Pump sized as small as possible for the specific heating needs of the house.
It is one of the most efficient methods for home heating
10. Use Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
Use an Air Source heat Pump sized as small as possible for the specific heating needs of the house.
It is on of the most efficient methods for home heating.
11. Use Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
For lighting, use CFLs and LEDs throughout, optimize window placement for light, and use task lighting where possible
For appliances us Energy Star rated appliances
12. Use Energy Modeling
To select the most cost-effiecient mix of all the energy-saving features you are considering and to minimize the amount of solar PB needed to vreate a Zero Net Energy Home, conduct energy modeling on different sets of energy-saving measures during the design phase.
Solar Maine Inc. HEAT PUMPS $500 State Rebate/$300 Federal Tax Credit