Net Zero Homes

SOLAR SYSTEM

Homes equipped with solar panels harness the energy from the sun’s rays and convert it to electricity. This low-maintenance feature gives you control over your monthly energy bill. A large solar panel system on a Net Zero home can produce as much clean energy as it consumes over the course of a year. On a sunny day, you can sell the excess energy created by your solar panels back to the utility company. On a cold winter’s night, you can buy energy from the utility company to give your home a boost. Now that’s power.

SPACE HEATING

Instead of a traditional gas furnace, our Net Zero homes have an air source heat pump with a backup electric furnace; both are run from electricity. This system is twice as efficient as a standard high efficiency gas furnace. The air source heat pump takes heat from the air outside (yes, even in winter!) and transfers it to the home. The system works in reverse in the summer to cool the home—no air conditioning unit necessary! The backup furnace is used on extremely cold days to give the heating system a boost.

WINDOWS

Our Net Zero windows are made of three panes of glass, two coatings of low-e and filled with argon gas. These windows reduce heat loss, lower energy costs, lessen the fading of furniture and artwork, and minimize outside noise.

WATER HEATING

Our Net Zero homes have an electric air source heat pump hot water tank (try saying that three times!) It takes the heat from the utility room and transfers it to heat your water. This ultra-efficient water heater is over two times more efficient than a standard electric hot water tank.

WALL AND ATTIC INSULATION

Our Net Zero homes are incredibly airtight because of the additional insulation that is added to the walls and attic. This, combined with our precision building process, retains more energy inside your home. It also reduces outside noise and maintains consistent temperatures throughout the home to enhance your comfort.

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

The Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) acts as the “lungs” of your home by exchanging stale air from inside with fresh, outdoor air. It cleans the air by removing high humidity, odours and even pollutants brought in from day-to-day activities. Plus, it transfers heat from the air leaving your home to the fresh air coming in, helping your home stay comfortable.

BASEMENT FLOOR INSULATION

Adding insulation under the concrete floor of your basement makes a noticeable difference in keeping your basement comfortable—we want to keep your feet warm! Plus, should you decide to develop your basement, it will be a more comfortable living space.

DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY

As hot water goes down the drain, it carries energy with it. This system recovers heat from the water leaving your home and uses it to heat the cold water coming into it.