Every part of a Net Zero Home works together in harmony to create the ultimate energy efficient living space. Like a well-oiled machine, every aspect of the home is necessary to ensure peak performance. Through advanced building techniques, technologies, and products, builders can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Here are some examples of the techniques and products used to offer this energy efficient lifestyle.
Air Tight & Well-Insulated
Net Zero Homes are extremely airtight and use a significant amount of insulation built into the home’s exterior walls, ceiling and even under its foundation to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. In fact, the space heating energy consumption of this type of dwelling is, on average, 66 per cent better than a conventional home.
Photo: Natural Resources Canada
Smaller HVAC/Mechanical Systems
Because the “shell” of a Net Zero Home is so much better, the space heating system is much smaller. To ensure good indoor air quality, a ventilation system brings fresh air into the home and takes stale air out!
Receive Energy from the Sun
The most common type of renewable energy technology in this type of build is a photovoltaic (PV) solar system – more commonly known as solar panels. They’re reliable, require little ongoing maintenance and you can estimate the amount of electricity they’ll produce annually before you purchase.
Reliably Store Energy
Some Net Zero Homes store the electricity generated on-site to power the home during peak hours, and sometimes even for an electric vehicle. Energy stored in these batteries provide the home with power during blackouts – ideal for the increasingly crazy weather!
Qualified Net Zero Builders understand how to incorporate these building techniques into a comfortable, energy efficient home allowing you and your family to have piece of mind.