DOE Tour of Zero: Sonny Boy Lane by Insulsteel Building Enclosures
Photos
1/23
Insulsteel Building Enclosures built this 3,700-square-foot home on Johns Island, South Carolina, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
2/23
Energy- and water-saving measures incorporated in this ENERGY STAR-certified home are estimated to save $4,000 per year and $167,000 over a 30-year mortgage. The high-performance home also received a LEED platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
3/23
The 6.8 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute $1,200 to the annual energy cost savings of $2,350 this high-performance home is expected to achieve compared to a home built to the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
4/23
The refrigerator, dishwasher, and ceiling fans are ENERGY STAR certified. The quartz countertops are manufactured from recycled materials.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
6/23
The impact-resistant triple-pane windows have an insulating argon gas fill between the panes. Low-emissivity coatings reflect heat to help keep the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer; the coatings also block 99% of damaging ultraviolet light.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
7/23
A fresh air intake brings in fresh outside air that is filtered through a MERV 13 filter and an ultraviolet light filter before being distributed throughout the home via the high-velocity duct system.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
8/23
The water-saving faucets, showers, and toilets that were chosen carry the EPA WaterSense label, meaning they meet strict specifications for water efficiency and performance.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
9/23
A programmable thermostat allows the homeowners to both manage and monitor their energy usage, even remotely.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
10/23
Low- and no-VOC paint, sealants, finishes, and flooring helped the home qualify for the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS air-quality label.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
11/23
Rather than wood framing, the walls are constructed with 8-5/8-inch-thick insulated panels consisting of magnesium oxide (MgO) sides and a rigid foam core. The R-33 panels are fire resistant and can withstand 200-mph winds.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
12/23
Disaster-resistant construction includes a raised concrete foundation that keeps the living space above flood waters.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
13/23
The raised foundation is vented to enable faster drying in case of flooding.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
14/23
The air-to-water heat pump distributes conditioned air through insulated, mastic-sealed ducts.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
15/23
The air handler of the heating and cooling system is equipped with a very high efficiency air filter and a fresh air intake.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
16/23
The air-to-water heat-pump uses water as the heat-transfer medium for very efficient heating and cooling.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
17/23
Hot fluid from a solar thermal panel on the roof delivers free heat to an 80-gallon hot water tank located in the insulated attic.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
18/23
Lithium-ion batteries charged by the solar photovoltaic panels provide 200 amperes of standby electricity to critical circuits in case of power failure.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
19/23
The back roof gutters drain to six rain barrels that water the gardens.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
20/23
The front roof gutters gather rainwater into a 1,300-gallon cistern that feeds a drip irrigation system.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
21/23
Rain gathered from the roof waters regionally appropriate flowers and edible plants rather than draining to the sewer. Only 10% of the yard is grass.
Photo courtesy of Insulsteel
“What is not to love in our new energy-efficient home!”
"We love our new energy-efficient home knowing that our initial investment will pay for itself over the next 10 years. It’s a pleasure opening our electrical bill to see the lowest amounts we have ever paid. Our HVAC system is very quiet and the LEDs are cool to the touch. What is not to love in our new energy-efficient home!”
– Homeowner
