DOE Tour of Zero: Depot Road Beacon House by United Way of Long Island

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United Way of Long Island built this 3,719-square-foot affordable home in Huntington Station, New York, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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Beneath the durable PVC siding, the 2-by-6 framed walls are filled with 5.5 inches of dense-packed cellulose then wrapped with 1.5 inches of rigid foam and covered with coated OSB with taped seams to provide a continuous air and moisture barrier around the home.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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An asymmetrical roof design provides space for 8.5 kW of photovoltaic panels.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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Covered porches protect the entryways from rain and snow.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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An energy recovery ventilator fresh air system with a MERV 13 filter and low-/no-VOC paints and finishes are among the measures included to help maintain good air quality in this EPA Indoor airPLUS certified home.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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ENERGY STAR rated appliances save energy and water in the kitchen.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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The handicapped-accessible bathroom saves water with WaterSense-qualifying fixtures.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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The photovoltaic panels sit in a heavy-duty plastic tray that was installed directly on the roofing underlayment. The roofing shingles are installed around but not under the tray so if they need to be replaced, the panels can stay in place.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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The poured concrete basement walls are insulated along the inside with 2.5 inches of R-12.5 polyiso rigid insulation.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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The HVAC ducts are located inside the home in dropped ceiling chases where they are protected from the elements.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
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A high-efficiency (95 AFUE) wall-hung gas-fired boiler heats water for the hydro-coil space heating system and also provides a back-up for the solar hot water system.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island

“The ZERH will provide these vets with much needed comfort, health, and a better living experience while saving taxpayers with very low operational expenses.”

- Rick Wertheim, senior vice-president of the Housing Development Corporation and Housing and Green Initiatives, United Way of Long Island

Infographic for Depot Road Beacon House by United Way of Long Island: Deer Park, NY; unitedwayli.org. 3,719 square feet, HERS score -5, -$17 average monthly energy bill, $5,850 annual savings, $300,000 saved in the first 30 years.
Key features list: High-performance insulation system for enhanced quiet and comfort, comprehensive draft protection, fresh air system for cleaner indoor air, high-efficiency comfort system, energy-efficient appliances and advanced lighting technology for

“The ZERH will provide these vets with much needed comfort, health, and a better living experience while saving taxpayers with very low operational expenses. United Way of Long Island runs a program called "VetsBuild." Veterans learn … building science, energy retrofit, and weatherization, as well as green and high-performance home building. Each class works on a real ZER home; the class of 2016/17 helped build this house for fellow veterans in need.”

 – Rick Wertheim, senior vice-president of the Housing Development Corporation and Housing and Green Initiatives, United Way of Long Island

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