Wednesday, April 3, 2002

'Zero Energy' house at Home Show

A Zero Energy House may look like any other house on the block, but in reality it is very different. It combines geothermal heat, an energy craft sealing system to reduce air infiltration, whole house ventilation, solar generated hot water and electricity, and high-energy efficient lighting and appliances. The result is that the Zero Energy House provides a healthy living environment and lower utility bills. Atlanta builder, Julius Poston of Certified Living, and Captain Planet Foundation are uilding a house for the public to experience at the Spring Atlanta Home Show, April 18-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Zero Energy House will showcase the latest products to achieve energy conservation and a healthier living environment, as well as how to produce energy with little or no power from the power company. At the forefront of Zero Energy building and remodeling, Julius Poston, is proud to provide the first demonstration house of its kind that is open to the public. The Zero Energy House will bring visitors up-to-date on new ways of building or remodeling houses that will achieve a healthier living environment, protect the environment and dramatically cut utility bills.

"Good ventilation is a key aspect of the system," said Jeff Allen, Residential Consultant with Certified Living. "If you install better insulation, but not the appropriate ventilation, you seal in toxins and allergens that may make the inhabitants ill. Families can enjoy a healthier existence in a Zero Energy House that significantly reduces allergy problems for the inhabitants, especially asthmatic children."

To actually produce energy for the house, solar panels must be installed to collect sunlight. Homeowners then store the sun's energy in a battery pack and use it to power the house and reduce or eliminate the need for an outside energy provider. That means during a power outage, the Zero Energy House continues to function. With the proper equipment, homeowners can even sell excess power to the power company.

To make a house Zero Energy does cost more up front. However, many lenders are giving "green mortgages," which extend the costs of the loan to include the energy savings. The builder must prove to the lender that he has met all of the requirements to make the house energy efficient with savings that will reduce the house buyer's operating costs.

"This house has much to teach its visitors about the future of energy conservation and how to live healthier in our homes," says Julius Poston, President of Certified Living. "The demonstration Zero Energy House offers the public knowledge of what to ask for when they build or remodel their homes to get the best possible construction available today. The greatest part is that all in all Zero Energy Houses do not cost any more than a non-Zero Energy Home with the money saved on energy costs."

After making its debut at the Atlanta Home Show, the Zero Energy House will travel to Washington, D.C. to be showcased in The Mall. Afterwards, it will go to Gwinnett Civic Center and to Sci-Trek.

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