High Performance Homes built this 5,100-square-foot home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to the performance criteria of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) form a sturdy structure that offers improved storm resistance, while the hip roof design increases resistance to roof uplift in the event of high winds.

The energy- and water-saving measures incorporated in this home combined with the 7-kW-capacity array of solar electric shingles are estimated to save $2,500 per year and $109,000 over a 30-year mortgage compared to a similar-sized code-built house.

Downspouts, kick-out flashing, overhangs, and a site graded to direct water away from the structure are among the high-performance site water management details.

The double-pane windows have insulating gas between the panes and coatings that reflect heat, keeping the inside warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

The home is equipped with high-performance fluorescent and LED lighting technology.

The home’s refrigerator and dishwasher are ENERGY STAR-rated for additional energy savings.

An energy management system with programmable thermostats allows the homeowner to monitor, automate, and control energy use at home or remotely.

Hot water is heated by the geothermal system and a 93% efficient water heater. The hot water circulation system has motion sensors that allow it to anticipate when someone is likely to draw hot water.

ENERGY STAR-rated fans remove humid air from bathrooms. Low-flow water fixtures were used throughout the home. Materials and finishes chosen for use in construction of the home emit low or no VOC.

A professionally installed fresh air system preconditions fresh air to save energy, and filters it to reduce indoor allergens, pollutants, germs, and contaminants, to help the home qualify for the EPA Indoor airPLUS requirements.

The walls of the home are constructed using structurally insulated panels (SIPs) with an insulation value of R-23. SIPs consist of a foam board sandwiched between two plywood boards. On the exterior of the home additional rigid foam insulation was applied before the proper water management measures were installed.

Air comfort is provided by an advanced geothermal heat pump, which takes advantage of year-round moderate underground temperatures to provide heating and cooling with an extremely efficient 5.6 COP and a 20.3 EER.

Testing of moisture levels in the framing is one of many tests and inspections conducted on this high-performance home during and after construction by the builder and by independent third-party energy raters.