DOE Tour of Zero: Foxtail Court by Tim O'Brien Homes

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Tim O'Brien Homes built this 4,730-square-foot custom home in New Berlin, Wisconsin, to the high performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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Homeowners should enjoy energy bills as lows as $80 per month in the highly efficient home.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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The 8.4 kW of PV panels installed on the roof adds to utility bill savings along with the highly efficient building shell.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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ENERGY STAR appliances and EPA WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures add to energy and water savings.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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LED lighting and ENERGY STAR ceiling fans reduce the cooling load and utility bills.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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The conditioned basement is insulated on the exterior with 1 inch of XPS R-5 rigid insulation and on the interior with 1 inch of polyiso R-6.3 rigid insulation.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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Spray foam insulates and air-seals the exterior wall behind the fireplace.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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Rigid foam protects the exterior of the foundation.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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The builder used spray foam in difficult-to-air-seal spots like the rim joists.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes
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An active radon fan helps pull radon out of the home’s basement.
Photo courtesy of Tim O'Brien Homes

“What is the biggest reward? Having customers talk positively about their new, safe, durable, energy-efficient home.”

– Craig North, Tim O'Brien Homes

DOE Tour of Zero: Foxtail Court by Tim O'Brien Homes: 4,730 square feet, HERS 23, $80 monthly energy bill, $1,300 annual savings, $63,800 saved in 30 years.
Key features: High-performance insulation system for enhanced quiet & comfort, comprehensive draft protection, fresh air system for cleaner indoor air, high-efficiency comfort system, energy-efficient appliances & advanced lighting technology to save ener

“What is the biggest reward? Having customers talk positively about their new, safe, durable, energy-efficient home to their friends and family. And seeing them brag about their utility bill.”

– Craig North, Tim O'Brien Homes