zero energy home design
April 13, 2020

Heat Pump Magic
Heat pumps make homes comfortable, heat water, and even dry clothes. And they do it far more efficiently than other methods. It’s not magic, it’s science!
Read ArticleApril 13, 2020

A Zero Carbon Building Primer
Zero energy buildings are here and growing in the market. Now it’s time to set our sights on the next step in the evolution of building design and construction: zero carbon.
Read ArticleMarch 18, 2020

The Mystery of Misapplied Mini-Splits
If you’ve ever heard that a mini-split heat pump wasn’t fulfilling its potential there is no mystery — the problem was almost certainly errors in design or installation. Here’s everything that needs to happen for a proper installation and reliable performance.
Read ArticleMarch 18, 2020

Production Builders, It’s Time to Sell Zero Energy Homes
Zero energy homes are poised to go mainstream. Large builders have the scale necessary to launch the market into this new territory. Homebuyers save and builders profit.
Read ArticleMarch 14, 2020

Make Hot Water the Modern Energy Efficient Way
Heat pump water heaters have been available for several years and are gradually gaining acceptance in new construction as well as in the replacement market. Here is guidance for the best application of this technology with an emphasis on colder climates.
Read ArticleJanuary 22, 2020

Achieve Comfort and Reliable Performance with Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are on track to replace heating systems that burn fossil fuels. Modern inverter-driven models can be extremely efficient, even at low outdoor temperatures, and they are capable of supplying all a home’s comfort needs. Here are three tips for builders and HVAC contractors to reach peak heat pump performance and keep customers happy.
Read ArticleJanuary 16, 2020

The Challenges and Opportunities of Exterior Air Sealing
Good news! You can choose from more methods than ever before to reach the high levels of air tightness needed for zero energy construction. Many builders find it less expensive to seal the exterior structural sheathing. Here are six effective methods to consider.
Read ArticleOctober 21, 2019

How many solar panels does it take to power an electric car?
This question is becoming more common as we begin to move past zero energy homes into the realm of positive energy. Homes can do more than power themselves. They can also put a huge dent in the energy use and carbon emissions from our personal transportation.
Read ArticleSeptember 10, 2019

We Electrified Everything – and So Can You!
This middle-class family disconnected from fossil methane and saved money. See their step-by-step approach to powering their home and car with renewable energy.
Read ArticleSeptember 5, 2019

Low Income Homeowners Benefit Most From Zero Energy Homes
There is a housing affordability crisis across the United States. Here are eight ways that zero energy helps make homes affordable for those that need it most.
Read ArticleJuly 18, 2019

Growth in Zero Energy Home Building Continues to Surge
The most recent inventory of zero energy homes by Team Zero, formerly the Net Zero Energy Coalition, has just been released. The sector is steadily growing in the US and Canada.
Read ArticleJuly 14, 2019

Zero Energy: the Ultimate in Green Building
Energy efficiency is at the core of all green building certification programs. It’s time to ratchet up these modest improvements to make homes as green as they can be by operating them entirely with clean energy.
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