Content courtesy of SAVE ON ENERGY

How net-zero homes produce energy.

Not every net-zero home is the same, but they all include their own sources of renewable energy. Many use solar photovoltaic panels that can typically produce energy for lighting, heating and cooling systems, hot water and appliances and windows with high performing thermal values. Energy from solar panels can be stored in a battery for use later, or sent into the local electricity distribution system and sold to the local hydro company.

Net-zero homes also use highly efficient heating and cooling systems, such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps draw in outside air and warm it during the winter, and pull warm air outside the house during the summer to keep it cool. Ground-source (also known as geothermal) heat pumps use thermal heat from underground to warm a home during the colder seasons, and pump heat outside during the summer.

What is it like living in a net-zero home?
People who own net-zero homes typically find them very comfortable. When a home has highly efficient windows and insulation, it often feels warm without much heating, even on the coldest days.With good insulation, heat is also better distributed around the house. Sometimes the warmth from appliances and home occupants is enough to be comfortable inside.You also won’t experience any drafts in a net-zero home. They are tested for air leaks to ensure outside air doesn’t affect indoor temperatures. They also use energy recovery ventilators to preheat or cool incoming fresh air.

Can an existing home be retrofitted to net zero?

The net-zero concept isn’t limited to new builds. While it takes some planning and changes to conventional renovation approaches, it can be done. Following the same principles for net-zero new homes, renovations include improving existing insulation levels to exceed code standards, orienting high-performance windows to work with the sun, redesigning HVAC systems to be as efficient as possible, and installing the energy-generating technology that would work best for the building and its location.

 

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