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How To Make a Zero Emissions Home

Posted On Tuesday, 21 June 2022 20:42
How To Make a Zero Emissions Home

If you think that a zero emissions home is outside of your grasp, think again! The good news is that by making some upgrades to your home, you can achieve zero carbon status no matter how old your house is. And if you are in the process of planning a new construction home, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t make your home a zero carbon house.

What is a Net Zero Home?

Simply put, a home that creates as much or more energy as it uses is a net zero home. Net zero emissions means that the amount of power a home needs to operate and the amount of power it produces balance out.

Some of the primary components of a net zero home are the heating systems and the renewable energy systems that it employs. With new technology, any home can become net zero. And obviously, this is not just good for your wallet—it’s also good for the environment.

As the U.S. moves towards its goals around climate change, net zero homes will become more and more common. States like California have already made net zero homes the new standard.  Since the average home uses over 10,000 kilo-watt hours (kWh) per year and doesn’t generate its own energy, this new standard considers this a lost opportunity and wasted energy. In the fight against climate change, we must grasp all opportunities.

How do I Achieve Net Zero Emissions?

Through using advanced technologies and creating a home that has exceptional air sealing, highly efficient appliances, and efficient water management systems, a balance of zero carbon emissions can be achieved.

Here are the most important features of a net zero emissions home:

Renewable Energy Source

Solar panels and wind power are the most common types of renewable energies in residential use. Solar panel systems have improved and are easier than ever to design and install. There are also more contractors licensed to install them.

Efficient Water Management

By using devices like reduced flow showerheads and low flush toilets, water is managed much more efficiently.

Sealing & Insulating

This is where the most energy savings can be seen, during all seasons. Sealing all cracks, openings, doors, and windows and insulating underneath slabs and in attic spaces and walls makes a home incredibly energy efficient. It’s important to remember that you also need proper ventilation, too.

Windows and Doors

Replacing old windows and door is critical. It doesn’t matter how well you seal and insulate if you are losing energy out the windows and doors.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Devices

Using smart devices that reduce energy waste and monitor your home’s energy usage will be a game-changer. AI can help monitor batteries and analyze meter data to promote the top efficiency of all your systems.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing the amount of energy you use is important in achieving zero carbon status in your home. Energy Star Appliances, LED lighting, and smart bulbs make this easier. You can also use window coverings, open doors, and windows at night to let in cool air and change some of your other habits to reduce energy consumption.

Heat Pumps and Heating Systems

Heat pumps can be used for heating homes and water systems. And since all energy is precious and can’t be wasted, you can even employ drain water heat recovery systems. Depending on where you live, this can be one of the most challenging areas to reduce energy consumption.

EV Level 2 Charging Port

Using a Level 2 charging port for your electric vehicle will charge faster, which is critical to capturing solar energy during peak times.

Design Principles that Help Achieve Net Zero Emissions

A few design principles are smarter and make it so your home doesn’t have to work so hard to use less energy. Innovative design principles like building envelopes, passive solar, solar tempering, and thermal mass make achieving net zero emissions in your home much easier.

Building Envelopes

A building envelope is simply a separation between the interior and exterior of a building. The gap created provides extra insulating value that drastically reduces the need for heating and cooling.

One of the easiest ways to make a building envelope is ICF construction. ICF stands for “insulated concrete form.” It is two sheets of foam board held apart by rigid plastic ties. These forms remain in place to provide insulation.  Professionals in ICF construction in Cass County, IN have over thirty years of experience creating energy-efficient, strong, pest-resistant homes with building envelopes.

Passive Solar and Solar Tempering

Depending on your latitude, you might have noticed that the sun is much lower in the winter than in the summer. You can achieve maximum passive solar heating in the winter by using southern-facing windows that let light and warmth in. Long roof overhangs or awnings over your windows will keep them shaded in the summer to reduce cooling costs when the sun is higher in the sky.

Thermal Mass

Some homes employ thermal mass to maintain even temperatures and reduce heating costs. Different building materials, like stone and concrete, and even water, can achieve this. The more thermal mass in your home, the more even the temperature will stay. Building into a hillside or making an underground home are other ways to utilize thermal mass.

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