DOE Tour of Zero: Sonny Boy Lane by Insulsteel Building Enclosures
Photos
1/23
Insulsteel Building Enclosures built this 3,700-square-foot home on Johns Island, South Carolina, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
2/23
Energy- and water-saving measures incorporated in this ENERGY STAR-certified home are estimated to save $4,000 per year and $167,000 over a 30-year mortgage. The high-performance home also received a LEED platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
3/23
The 6.8 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute $1,200 to the annual energy cost savings of $2,350 this high-performance home is expected to achieve compared to a home built to the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
4/23
The refrigerator, dishwasher, and ceiling fans are ENERGY STAR certified. The quartz countertops are manufactured from recycled materials.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
5/23
ENERGY STAR-rated LED lighting was used throughout the home.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
6/23
The impact-resistant triple-pane windows have an insulating argon gas fill between the panes. Low-emissivity coatings reflect heat to help keep the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer; the coatings also block 99% of damaging ultraviolet light.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
7/23
A fresh air intake brings in fresh outside air that is filtered through a MERV 13 filter and an ultraviolet light filter before being distributed throughout the home via the high-velocity duct system.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
8/23
The water-saving faucets, showers, and toilets that were chosen carry the EPA WaterSense label, meaning they meet strict specifications for water efficiency and performance.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
9/23
A programmable thermostat allows the homeowners to both manage and monitor their energy usage, even remotely.
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10/23
Low- and no-VOC paint, sealants, finishes, and flooring helped the home qualify for the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS air-quality label.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
11/23
Rather than wood framing, the walls are constructed with 8-5/8-inch-thick insulated panels consisting of magnesium oxide (MgO) sides and a rigid foam core. The R-33 panels are fire resistant and can withstand 200-mph winds.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
12/23
Disaster-resistant construction includes a raised concrete foundation that keeps the living space above flood waters.
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13/23
The raised foundation is vented to enable faster drying in case of flooding.
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14/23
The air-to-water heat pump distributes conditioned air through insulated, mastic-sealed ducts.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
15/23
The air handler of the heating and cooling system is equipped with a very high efficiency air filter and a fresh air intake.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
16/23
The air-to-water heat-pump uses water as the heat-transfer medium for very efficient heating and cooling.
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17/23
Hot fluid from a solar thermal panel on the roof delivers free heat to an 80-gallon hot water tank located in the insulated attic.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
18/23
Lithium-ion batteries charged by the solar photovoltaic panels provide 200 amperes of standby electricity to critical circuits in case of power failure.
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19/23
The back roof gutters drain to six rain barrels that water the gardens.
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20/23
The front roof gutters gather rainwater into a 1,300-gallon cistern that feeds a drip irrigation system.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
21/23
Rain gathered from the roof waters regionally appropriate flowers and edible plants rather than draining to the sewer. Only 10% of the yard is grass.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
22/23
The home is equipped with two air-to-water heat pumps that pull heat from the outside air in winter and release heat to the air in summer.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
23/23
Solar panels are installed at the optimal angle for gathering light at this location. They have already survived a tornado without damage. The home also has two solar water heating panels.