Houses with zero consumption - Are they practical?

Zero energy homes are also known as buildings with zero net energy consumption of the overall network, which means that a house is completely energy self-sufficient. This can be achieved by using solar energy or wind power, but the ultimate objective is the lack of acquisition costs of energy after the installation of such a system.

Buildings erected on the established technologies consume about 40% of the total energy, which is produced using fossil fuels in the United States and are a significant source of greenhouse gases. Houses with zero power consumption, on the other hand are a factor in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels. To date, these houses are too little.

Currently, classic house designed largely the same as a decade ago, no matter where it is, except in some areas such as Anchorage (AK), wherein heat insulation is an important factor, or for example Phoenix (TX) wherein the contrary - the cooling is essential. Nevertheless, in both urban heating and cooling is performed using one and the same energy source.

When it comes to energy independence, in each case, the solution varies and depends on the local territorial features. For example, that provides the energy in sunlight LA ​​will not be effective in windy Chicago. To achieve energy independence, it is necessary to use a variety of technologies that make sense in a given climate zone. Of course you can say that solar energy is enough, but in reality the situation is different from where the building is located.

The house was built in the desert	Nordic conditions

For a start, it makes sense to reduce the energy consumption of existing homes before choosing a source of renewable energy. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to conduct a full analysis of how energy is consumed, which technique will be used (for example, using equipment that is rated Energy Star - an international standard for energy efficiency of consumer goods). Residents need to understand to what extent each device consumes energy in the house and watch this.

The next step is the selection of an energy management system (Power Management System) to control its use and turn off unused devices. Water heater to be more effective, it is necessary that the temperature of the water for use in the shower and washing up was set at the proper level, not too hot and not too cold. Almost every element of the house gives the possibility to save energy, since water supply systems, ending with ordinary lamps. 

An energy management system EMS EC-100

The best way to be aware of the volume of energy in your home is to use technological solutions. Energy management system can monitor energy consumption and control it using the data collected by smart meters. The system will also tell you how much energy your home uses electronics, security, lighting, ventilation and air-conditioning.

Each component of the home must be energooptimizirovana, including walls, plumbing, air ducts and windows. It will be hard to save energy, if the design house securely isolated from the outside world.

To begin with energy-efficient foundation using permanent formwork of polystyrene foam in the construction, it will save up to 30% of the energy of your home. Use the highest quality insulation material and close all sorts of holes through which air can leave the building. Do not forget also about the windows and doors - they are of great importance in matters of energy savings. Note the low E windows marked with Energy Star.

Where possible, you should use the largest overhangs to shade windows from the summer sun. Window shades, blinds or curtains provide extra shade, and with it the insulation.

You must use ceiling fans to avoid calcination rooms on the sunny side. Use suitable for your space heating boilers, which are not switched on and off in cycles, wasting energy for nothing. Since most of the warm air will escape through the ceiling or attic, insulation is necessary to conduct thorough work them or use SIP panels for the roof.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are three-layer design consisting of two oriented strand board (OSB), between which a layer of expanded polystyrene pasted, which creates a heavy-duty construction. They are used for the construction of exterior walls, roofs, ceilings and floors. Homes and buildings built on SIP technology, have excellent insulation and exceptional durability, quick installation as well as environmentally friendly.

Instantaneous water heaters as well can reduce energy costs by eliminating the need to hold 150 liters of water in a constant heat all day. Not to mention the fact that they take up much less space than the water heater, which we have used for decades, where the heat is constantly escapes through the tank wall.

If you have a fireplace, use glass doors to control the heat, which creates a fire. Most of us are already using energy-saving lamps instead of traditional incandescent bulbs, as they give the same amount of visible light using less energy, not to mention the useful life, which is 8-15 times longer than conventional bulbs.

House zero consumption, is a house that for a year consumes the same amount of energy that is produced and its territory from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy.

Generally speaking, the purchase of solar panels is a great option because once the initial investment will pay off, the owner of the property will not really paying for the electricity and renewable energy will receive virtually free. The important point here is that the solar panels are not only able to produce enough energy for households, but also perhaps even a surplus that can be sold back to the power company.

Wind power system used to rotate the turbine generator, converting wind energy into electricity. Regardless of the fact whether the wind turbine in the overall network or stand-alone costs, it can be an effective source of power in cases when you can not completely rely on solar energy, and in addition you live in areas with steady winds or flat areas. Measure levity specific location, you can use an anemometer. Wind turbines can be used as a supplement to the solar system, as well as being the only source of renewable energy.

Of course the original cost of the non-volatile home may seem high, but do not need to be a rocket scientist to understand that energy efficiency has a huge impact on the environment, as not really using a single kilowatt of energy, you actually save all three.

And here's the thing - here in the US energy efficiency is only 32%. This means that saving one kilowatt of power, in fact, you retain all three! All this leads to a reduction of pollution from power plants, to a decrease in coal production and a reduction in transport costs to move it across the country.

Nonvolatile home is absolutely necessary to establish a highly efficient solar cells.This system will allow the house including selling excess electricity back to the grid on sunny days and at the same time to buy electricity, as any ordinary house on cloudy days and at night, but with the installation of wind turbines, can be solved this problem.In the end of the year, electricity bills reach zero balance, how much energy the house spent the same amount he has generated.

Energy expert can inspect your house from the attic to the basement and to point out all sorts of improvements, and suggest on what can be saved, as well as to point out the improvements that will lead to the improvement of your living environment.

Houses with zero energy consumption not only practical, but are undoubtedly the future housing. Entrusted with the hope that the builders of houses will start to think in the context of zero consumption when designing new homes.