DOE Tour of Zero: Green Acres #20 by Greenhill Contracting

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Greenhill Contracting built this 4,454-square-foot home in New Paltz, New York, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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The highly efficient home stacks four floors on a small footprint, including a daylight basement.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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In addition to being certified for DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, EPA Indoor airPLUS, and ENERGY STAR, the home is expected to earn a LEED for Homes, silver level, and should save its homeowners $4,000 a year in energy costs compared to a home built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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The roof-mounted 11.55-kW solar electric system and ultra-efficient thermal enclosure enabled the home to achieve a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of -3.5.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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From the foundation to the roof line, the insulated concrete form (ICF) thermal blanket is an important part of the comprehensive draft protection system that enhances quiet, comfort, indoor air quality, and durability.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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The sealed attic is insulated on the underside of the roof deck with 10 inches of open‐cell spray foam plus 2.7 inches of closed‐cell spray foam insulation to completely air seal the attic while providing an R-63 insulation value.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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The home is equipped with an ultra-efficient (COP 5.7) ground source heat pump, which also provides domestic hot water that is distributed via a central manifold and homerun piping system that speeds hot water to the faucets while reducing the amount of wasted water.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting
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The ultra-efficient (COP 5.7) ground source heat pump uses a central air handler with modulating condensers and a variable-speed electrically commutated motor blower.
Photo courtesy of Greenhill Contracting

“It is not often that the responsible thing to do for the greater good also turns out to offer immediate personal economic benefits.”

DOE Tour of Zero: Green Acres #20 by Greenhill Contracting: Esopus, NY, zeronetnow.com. 4,454 square feet, HERS score -3, $10 average monthly energy bill, $4,000 annual savings, $170,000 saved in the first 30 years.
Key features list: High-performance insulation system for enhanced quiet and comfort, comprehensive draft protection, fresh air system for cleaner indoor air, high-efficiency comfort system, energy-efficient appliances and advanced lighting technology for

“Knowing very little [about these types of homes], I simply wanted a good value and all the things one wants from a new home. Those basic requirements such as comfort, quietness, and quality of construction have certainly been met for me. However, above and beyond that, we are very excited about the economic projections of owning this home…. We will be paying no energy bills on the balance of the year. Not having to worry about increasing energy costs has been comforting... It is not often that the responsible thing to do for the greater good also turns out to offer immediate personal economic benefits.”

– Homeowner

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