.Texas Electric Choices

Energy Saving Tips

Zero-Energy Homes

Appliances & Electronics
- Buying Efficient Products
- Estimating Energy Use
- Turning Off Computers

Electricity
- Reducing Electricity Use
- Buying Clean Electricity
- Making Clean Electricity
- Reading Electric Meters

Insulation & Air Sealing
- Weather-stripping & Caulking
- Insulation
- Controlling Moisture
- Ventilation

Lighting & Day Lighting
- Artificial Lighting
- Types of Lighting
- Turning Off Lights
- Natural Lighting

Windows, Doors & Skylights
- Energy Performance Ratings
- Selecting Windows
- Selecting Exterior Doors
- Selecting Skylights

Design & Remodeling
- Passive Solar
- Whole-House Design
- Zero-Energy Homes
- Log Homes
- Manufactured Homes
- Earth-Sheltered Homes
- Financing an Efficient Home

Heating & Cooling
- Selecting & Replacing Your System
- Cooling Systems
- Heating Systems
- Heat Pumps
- Thermostats, Ducts, & Meters

Landscaping
- For Your Climate
- For Your Microclimate
- Shading
- Using Windbreaks
- Conserving Water & Xeriscaping

Water Heating
- Selecting a Water Heater
- Solar Water Heaters
- Demand (Tankless) Water Heaters
- Reducing Water Heating Bills
- Swimming Pool Heating

Connect With Energy Savers
- Energy Savers Blog
- Facebook

Zero Energy Home Design
A Zero Energy Home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination results in a home that produces its own energy—as much or more than it needs. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net zero energy consumption from the utility provider.

Zero Energy Homes optimize and include the following design features:

• Climate-specific design
• Passive solar heating and cooling
• Energy-efficient construction
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• Solar water heating system
• Small solar electric system.
These homes have a number of advantages:

• Improved comfort—an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations
• Reliability—a Zero Energy Home can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts
• Energy security—a home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices
• Environmental sustainability—a Zero Energy Home saves energy and reduces pollution

The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with building professionals and organizations to further develop the Zero Energy Homes concept.

Source: www.energysavers.gov

Switch to a Renewable Energy Plan Now

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