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Zero Energy Home Design

By DOE

A Zero Energy Home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination results in a home that produces its own energy — as much or more than it needs. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net zero energy consumption from the utility provider.

 

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Zero Energy Homes optimize and include the following design features:

 

  • Climate-specific design

  • Passive solar heating and cooling

  • Energy-efficient construction

  • Energy-efficient appliances and lighting

  • Solar water heating system

  • Small solar electric system
These homes have a number of advantages:
  • Improved comfort: An energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations.

  • Reliability: A Zero Energy Home can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts.

  • Energy security: A home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices.

  • Environmental sustainability: A Zero Energy Home saves energy and reduces pollution.
The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with building professionals and organizations to further develop the Zero Energy Homes concept. To date, only a few prototype Zero Energy Homes have been constructed and researched.

The Healthy House Institute (HHI), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HealthyHouseInstitute.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on creating healthy home environments.

 

While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HHI provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HHI: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.

Zero Energy Home Design:  Created on March 1st, 2007.  Last Modified on January 10th, 2010

 

About DOE

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advances the national, economic and energy security of the United States, promoting scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission.

 

 

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