Garbett Construction built this 5,211-square-foot production home in Greenville, South Carolina, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Deep overhangs help protect the fiber cement and stone-clad walls from summer sun and winter snows.
An ENERGY STAR refrigerator, dishwasher, and ceiling fans help contribute to energy savings.
Double-pane, low-e, vinyl-framed windows (U=0.30, SHGC=0.30) let in light and views without a lot of heat loss.
The 93% efficient tankless gas water heater provides endless hot water to faucets while a push button-activated hot water recirculation pump reduces wait times.
The high-efficiency 96.5 AFUE natural gas, multi-stage furnace and 15 SEER AC with ECM fan runs longer at lower speeds to keep temperatures even and comfortable throughout the house regardless of what the weather is like outside.
No- or low-VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives were used throughout the EPA Indoor airPLUS-rated home and a passive radon mitigation system was implemented, which helps to keep radon and other soil gases out of the basement.
Low-flow fixtures help reduce water use.
Taped house wrap provides an air and water barrier over OSB sheathing on the 2-by-6 advance-framed walls, which are dense packed with blown fiberglass and air-sealed with a sprayer-applied sealant.
Raise heel trusses allow Garbett to get the full depth of insulation over the top plates to minimize cold spots along exterior walls. After installing baffles and ceiling drywall, the eaves areas will be air-sealed with spray foam, then the whole ceiling will be covered with R-60 of blown fiberglass.
“The biggest reward is the satisfaction of selling an amazing home and the excitement of our buyers when they let us know how much they enjoy their homes, how comfortable they are, and how low their energy bills are.”
– Damian Mora, energy-efficiency coordinator, Garbett Homes
“We certify every home so it is important everyone on the construction team understands their part in building a high-performance home. This is crucial for maintaining quality construction. The biggest reward is the satisfaction of selling an amazing home and the excitement of our buyers when they let us know how much they enjoy their homes, how comfortable they are, and how low their energy bills are.”
– Damian Mora, energy-efficiency coordinator, Garbett Home
