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.
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.
Rooftop solar panels come standard on the production homes in this community by Health-E Community Enterprises.
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.
Moisture levels are checked in the blown cellulose insulation before enclosing the walls.
All of the ductwork for the efficient (8.5 HSPF, 15 SEER) heat pump is mastic sealed and installed in conditioned space.
The crawlspace is air-sealed and insulated to provide a temperate place for HVAC ducts.
The home's efficient air-source heat pump is located in a closet inside the home.
The heat pump water heater provides efficient hot water.
The builder uses indoor signage to help potential homebuyers learn about the high-performance benefits of the home.
“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
