DOE Tour of Zero: Options for Community Living by United Way of Long Island
Photos
1/14
United Way of Long Island Housing Development Corporation renovated this 1,436-square-foot home in Patchogue, New York, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
2/14
The 1970s-era home had a HERS score of 162 in its pre-renovation condition, as shown here. When renovated a HERS score of 40 was achieved without renewable energy systems, or -3 when the 7.8-kW solar electric system and solar water heating panels were added.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
3/14
Energy-efficiency and renewable renovations cut utility bills by nearly $2,500 per year for the home’s low-income special-needs occupants.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
4/14
Solar tubes were installed to bring daylight into the interior of the home.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
5/14
The home’s solar water heating system includes two 30-tube evacuated tube panels and a 120-gallon storage tank with electric backup.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
6/14
The high-efficiency windows include argon-gas fill between two glass panes with advanced technology coating to reduce heat gain and heat loss.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
7/14
The remodeled kitchen features an energy-saving ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator and dishwasher.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
8/14
Hot water for the low-flow fixtures comes from the solar water heater backed up with a 95% efficient wall-hung boiler.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
9/14
An ENERGY STAR-rated clothes washer adds to water and energy savings.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
10/14
The mechanical room in the basement houses the water heating equipment, including the storage tank and wall-hung boiler as well as the air handler for the hydro coil and high-efficiency (16 SEER) air conditioner.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
11/14
The fresh air system features a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) that removes contaminants in the incoming air with a high-capture filter and then transfers heat between the fresh air being drawn in and the stale air being exhausted to temper the incoming air.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
12/14
The existing 2-by-8 roof rafters were topped with 1/2-inch sheathing; then, two staggered layers of 2-inch closed-cell rigid foam board; 5/8-inch plywood sheathing; ice and water shield on all rakes, eaves, and valleys; roofing underlayment; and finally architectural fiberglass shingles. The underside of the roof assembly was sprayed with 6 inches of open-cell spray foam.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
13/14
Drywall was removed and the existing 2-by-4 16-inch on-center wall framing cavities were filled with 3.5 inches of dense-packed cellulose. The ½ inch plywood sheathing was covered with house wrap and 1.5 inches of closed-cell rigid insulation then topped with 1-by-3 furring strips to create an air gap that ensures effective water draining behind the fiber cement siding.
Photo courtesy of United Way of Long Island
14/14
The builders sprayed the underside of the roof assembly with 6 inches of open-cell spray foam to create an unvented, R-48 insulated attic.