Frequently Asked Questions
It can cost as little as 10% to 15% more than a standard house, built to code.
A properly positioned house with a good southern exposure for passive and active solar power can be built for less than 10% more than a standard to-code house.
A properly positioned house with a good southern exposure for passive and active solar power can be built for less than 10% more than a standard to-code house.
Avg. American Household = ~76,000 kWh
Our House = ~22,000 kWh* <<<< that's a THIRD of the U.S. average!
*expected
The Breakdown
Avg. American Household: ELECTRICITY: 11,000 kWh ; NATURAL GAS(1000 therms): 30,000 kWh; GASOLINE (CARS): 35,000** kWh
Our House: ELECTRICITY: 22,000 kWh; NATURAL GAS: 0 kWh; GASOLINE (CARS): 0 kWh
**based on two cars with average gas mileage and annual miles/yr
Our House = ~22,000 kWh* <<<< that's a THIRD of the U.S. average!
*expected
The Breakdown
Avg. American Household: ELECTRICITY: 11,000 kWh ; NATURAL GAS(1000 therms): 30,000 kWh; GASOLINE (CARS): 35,000** kWh
Our House: ELECTRICITY: 22,000 kWh; NATURAL GAS: 0 kWh; GASOLINE (CARS): 0 kWh
**based on two cars with average gas mileage and annual miles/yr
Over the past few years more and more resources have become available. I would highly recommend, as a first step, a visit to your local library.
There are many books about Net Zero houses, as well as other types that are even more efficient.
One of my favorites is: Not so Big House by Sarah Susanka.
Our Partners page also lists a number of resources you may find helpful.
Locating an Architect that specializes in extremely efficient, or specifically with Net Zero homes can be a huge help. They can guide you and help make trade off decisions between price and efficiency.
One of the least expensive, and biggest energy savings tactics is the proper facing of the house, appropriate placement of windows, and insulation around the walls, roof and foundation.
I hope these are some good places to find more helpful information.
There are many books about Net Zero houses, as well as other types that are even more efficient.
One of my favorites is: Not so Big House by Sarah Susanka.
Our Partners page also lists a number of resources you may find helpful.
Locating an Architect that specializes in extremely efficient, or specifically with Net Zero homes can be a huge help. They can guide you and help make trade off decisions between price and efficiency.
One of the least expensive, and biggest energy savings tactics is the proper facing of the house, appropriate placement of windows, and insulation around the walls, roof and foundation.
I hope these are some good places to find more helpful information.
The biggest bang for your buck is insulation and sealing any gaps or drafts in your house. Both can typically be done very inexpensively.
An insulated blanket around your water heater may also help. There are specially designed blankets to do just this.
A Energy Audit can be a great help in finding where you can get the best bang for your buck. Many utilities offer these at a discount or even free. You can find more information about energy audits at Energy.gov.
An insulated blanket around your water heater may also help. There are specially designed blankets to do just this.
A Energy Audit can be a great help in finding where you can get the best bang for your buck. Many utilities offer these at a discount or even free. You can find more information about energy audits at Energy.gov.