DOE Tour of Zero: The Smartlux on Greenpark by M Street Homes
Photos
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This luxury home by M Street Homes of Houston, Texas, boasts a unique high-performance HVAC system and U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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This 4,500-square-foot, tri-level home will cost its owners less than $1,500 to heat and cool annually.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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This high-efficiency home achieved a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 32, far lower than the 100 HERS score typical of new homes.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels use free energy from the sun to generate electricity.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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High-efficiency appliances like an ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher, refrigerator, and freezer contribute to low energy bills.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures help reduce water and energy use.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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Low-/no-VOC paints and finishes help provide a healthy indoor environment.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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On-demand hot water pumps speed hot water to faucets at a push of a button to limit water waste and save energy.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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The balanced fresh air system includes a filtered fresh air intake that is wired to the central HVAC system with timer controls, while exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room pull stale and moist air from the home.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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The home uses waste heat from the gas-fired tri-generator to provide nearly all the hot water for a family of four, with a high-efficiency heat pump water heater for backup.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
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This high-performance home includes a first-of-its-kind, high-efficiency, gas-fired tri-generation system that incorporates cooling, heating, and power production. The generator produces electricity, with PV, batteries, and grid-tied access for back-up power while waste heat from the generator provides heat for domestic hot water, the central furnace, and desiccant-drying in the whole-house dehumidification system. The generator also mechanically drives the air conditioning compressor.
Photo courtesy of M Street Homes
"We have had no problems with allergies since we moved into the house."
"One of the most important features is having so many windows to let in the light and view without worrying about heating up the home. It is very comfortable throughout the home, and the bonus is that all of the attic space stays comfortable due to the special foam insulation."
– Homeowner Brenna
"We are susceptible to allergies that cause sinus problems for both of us. The special air filters seem to remove allergens, as we have had no problems with allergies since we moved into the house."
– Homeowner Steve
