Tim O'Brien Homes built this 4,730-square-foot custom home in New Berlin, Wisconsin, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Homeowners should enjoy energy bills as lows as $80 per month in the highly efficient home.
The 8.4 kW of PV panels installed on the roof adds to utility bill savings along with the highly efficient building shell.
ENERGY STAR appliances and EPA WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures add to energy and water savings.
LED lighting and ENERGY STAR ceiling fans reduce the cooling load and utility bills.
The conditioned basement is insulated on the exterior with 1 inch of XPS R-5 rigid insulation and on the interior with 1 inch of polyiso R-6.3 rigid insulation.
Spray foam insulates and air-seals the exterior wall behind the fireplace.
Rigid foam protects the exterior of the foundation.
The builder used spray foam in difficult-to-air-seal spots like the rim joists.
An active radon fan helps pull radon out of the home’s basement.
“What is the biggest reward? Having customers talk positively about their new, safe, durable, energy-efficient home.”
– Craig North, Tim O'Brien Homes
“What is the biggest reward? Having customers talk positively about their new, safe, durable, energy-efficient home to their friends and family. And seeing them brag about their utility bill.”
– Craig North, Tim O'Brien Homes
