DOE Tour of Zero: Southern Comfort by Charis Homes
Photos
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Charis Homes built this 4,631-square-foot custom home in Uniontown, Ohio, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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The sliding doors to the screened porch are protected from the elements but allow in plenty of sunlight and natural cooling on mild days.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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Behind the siding, the 2-by-6 walls are filled with R-23 of moisture- and fire-resistant stone wool insulation and wrapped in a breathable house wrap.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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All of the home’s light fixtures are equipped with energy-saving LED bulbs.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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The home’s laundry and kitchen appliances are ENERGY STAR-rated.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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Endless hot water is provided by the 98% efficient tankless gas water heater, which is centrally located in the lower-level utility room.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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Triple-pane argon-filled windows with low-emissivity coatings and a U-value of 0.27 let in the views but keep out the summer heat and winter chill.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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A dimpled plastic water barrier protects the insulated concrete form basement walls.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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The roof will be covered with a synthetic underlayment and waterproof barrier at the eaves, and all the top plates and penetrations through the ceiling drywall will be air-sealed before installing R-50 of blown cellulose insulation into the attic.
Photo courtesy of Charis Homes
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The home’s finished basement is protected from water intrusion by the ICF foundation walls and water-resistant barrier, as well as good site grading that creates a positive slope away from the house.