Knorr Residence
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When they built this home in 2018, the Knorrs had the goal of complete energy self-sufficiency for their residence.
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All of the mechanical systems, like these electric boilers that are used for both space heating and domestic hot water, are high-efficiency electric models that are powered by the solar PV system.
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Spray foam insulation in the walls and lid not only resists heat loss, but also is great for air sealing, reducing the heating needs of the building.
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The stem wall and slab are insulated with R-10 rigid insulation to make for a fully insulated building envelope.
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This shows the in-floor hydronic tubing that is supplied with hot water from the electric boilers to heat the home.
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Windows are another important aspect of an well-insulated building envelope. The windows in this house are triple-paned with a U-factor of 0.19- 68% more insulative than their code-compliant counterparts!
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Sunlight is free and this home takes full advantage of it with twelve Solatubes!
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An induction cooktop is a solution often chosen by those who want to be 100% solar but don’t like electric stoves.
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Energy Star appliances were installed in the home- they reduce electricity requirements by up to 20%!
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This passive solar sun room captures southern sunlight in the winter in the stone wall across from the windows. This thermal mass then reradiates it at night.
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A jump duct in the sun room mass wall has a fan that is activated when the temperature in the room climbs, moving warm air from the sun room to the main living space.
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The EPA-certified wood stove uses up to one third less wood for the same amount of heat as its older counterparts. The improved combustion process also results in fewer chemicals and particulate pollutants being emitted from the vent stack, improving outdoor air quality.
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Low flow fixtures like this 1.28 gallon per flush toilet improve the water efficiency of the home.
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Zero VOC (volatile organic compound) paint was used throughout the home to protect indoor air quality.
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Construction fencing was used to protect trees during the construction process.
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The solar PV system at the Knorr Residence routinely produces over 2 MW of energy per month!
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