DOE Tour of Zero: The Annabel Model by Health-E Community Enterprises of Virginia
Photos
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Health-E Community Enterprises of Virginia built this 2,213-square-foot production home in Richmond, Virginia, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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The home's alley-facing garage shares only one wall with the living space of the home, simplifying air-sealing to keep contaminants out of this EPA Indoor airPLUS-certified home.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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Rooftop solar panels come standard on the production homes in this community by Health-E Community Enterprises.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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A member of the construction staff points out the advanced framing features in the home, including ladder blocking at interior-exterior wall intersections to allow more room for insulation in the 2-by-6, 24-inch on-center walls. The framing is also treated with borate for moisture and pest resistance.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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Moisture levels are checked in the blown cellulose insulation before enclosing the walls.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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All of the ductwork for the efficient (8.5 HSPF, 15 SEER) heat pump is mastic sealed and installed in conditioned space.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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The crawlspace is air-sealed and insulated to provide a temperate place for HVAC ducts.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
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The home's efficient air-source heat pump is located in a closet inside the home.
Photo courtesy of Health-E Community Enterprises
“Our electric bills have been the minimum ($12 or so) for the first four months, and just over $50 for November.”
– Homeowners
“We are excited about the solar system's efficiency and its output. Our electric bills have been the minimum ($12 or so) for the first four months, and just over $50 for November.”
– Homeowners
