DOE Tour of Zero: Fishers Circle by Amaris Homes

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Amaris Homes built this 1,882-square-foot home in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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The age-in-place design includes a barrier-free front entry, oversized interior doors that enable wheelchair access, and a zero-barrier walk-in shower in the master bathroom.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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Deep overhangs and a covered front porch provide solar window shading from high summer sun and help keep the entryway snow-free in winter. Severe storm damage is minimized with dry-by-design roof construction including ice and water barrier underlayment, metal flashing, and a hip roof design.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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A 4.9-kilowatt solar electric system helps the home achieve a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 22; without the solar electric system, the high-efficiency home would achieve a HERS score of 47.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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All of the home’s light fixtures use advanced technology LED light sources.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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ENERGY STAR appliances contribute significant energy and water savings.

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Water-saving bathroom faucets meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program; dual-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads contribute significant water savings.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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All paints, finishes, and glues used in the home comply with the low-/no-VOC criteria of the Indoor airPLUS program, which can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

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With the roof-mounted solar electric panels, this energy-efficient home is expected to save homeowners nearly $1,400 in annual utility expenses compared to a home built to minimum code.

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The home’s high-efficiency gas boiler provides domestic hot water as well as in-floor radiant heat, while a high-efficiency heat pump provides cooling and a secondary source of heating.

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Mastic-sealed rigid metal ducts are part of the home’s professionally installed interior comfort delivery system.

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The home’s high-performance wall insulation system includes 2-by-6 walls filled with 3 inches of closed-cell spray foam. The walls are wrapped in a continuous exterior thermal blanket of 1-inch rigid foam.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

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This solar tube installed in the hallway brings natural daylight into the home’s interior.

Photo courtesy of Amaris Homes

“People will pay $8,000 for stone countertops and there’s no payback. People see the payback on this and they are willing to pay it.”

DOE Tour of Zero: Fishers Circle by Amaris Homes: Maplewood, MN; minnesotagreenhomebuilder.com. 1,882 square feet, HERS score 22, $55 average monthly energy bill, $1,400 annual savings, $76,000 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

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“I saw one of our homebuyers today. He is super happy. They can count on their bills being lower. A lot of people my age are willing to make an upfront investment to have lower bills over the long haul. People will pay $8,000 for stone countertops and there’s no payback. People see the payback on this and they are willing to pay it.”

– Ray Pruban, manager, Amaris Homes

DOE Tour of Zero: Fishers Circle by Amaris Homes floorplans.