HOW DOES VERMOD GET TO ZERO-ENERGY READY?
Zero-Energy or Net-Zero Homes are homes that produce as much energy as they use. National and state building specifications outline insulation, air-tightness, and other performance requirements for builders to achieve Zero-Energy Ready and High Performance certifications. Vermod Homes are Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and built to Efficiency Vermont’s High Performance 2.0 Specifications.
Our homes are built and equipped with the systems to achieve Zero-Energy. Solar panels need site access to produce the energy to offset usage and homeowner lifestyle determines the amount of energy used.
With a modest solar array, Vermod homes can achieve low and even no electric or heating costs. Here’s how we do it:
DENSLY PACKED INSULATION
The floors and walls are packed with about 3,000 pounds of insulation (R40-R43). The roof system is a 12 ¼” thick Structurally Insulated Panel (R60).
Vermod homes hold their heat.
SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels can produce all the energy for a Vermod home. Electricity is sold back to the utility, so higher electric usage in the winter is offset by a credit for high solar production during the summer.
Vermod homes are built to achieve no electric or heating costs based on homeowner lifestyle and site conditions.
SEALED JOINTS & CRACKS
Every joint and crack is tightly sealed during the construction process.
Vermod homes are airtight, keeping warmth in.
ALL ELECTRIC HVAC SYSTEMS
All-electric HVAC systems incorporate efficient heat-pump technology for heating, cooling, and hot water, and all appliances and lighting are ENERGY STAR rated. This means no fossil fuels used in the home.
Homes are equipped with a Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator (CERV) which combines an air-source heat pump with a ventilation system that monitors CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in the air and adjusts the ventilation as needed.
All homes have an energy efficient cold climate heat pump (mini-split) and heat pump water heater. Vermod homes require very little electricity to operate.
