Science Meets Design: Energy Efficiency

The Home by Design Showhouse has been engineered and built to the energy efficiency standards of the ComfortHome program. The Showhouse is certified by ComfortHome to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, benefiting the owner with reduced energy consumption and lower bills. The design features and performance specifications also allow for a guarantee that the homeowner will be comfortable in every room: there are no cold spots or hot spots when the building systems are engineered for efficiency and comfort.

Upon completion the Showhouse will also earn an Energy Star certification by exceeding the energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The building envelope

The Showhouse envelope rises from the ground on a Polysteel insulated concrete foundation and is enclosed by Insulspan's structural insulated panels for the walls and roof. This results in a highly insulated and tight building envelope. Windows and doors are high performance Marvin double pane Low-E, reducing energy usage and providing summertime comfort. Major appliances by Whirlpool and KitchenAid are Energy Star certified to provide year round savings on everyday uses.

Heat for both the domestic hot water and the HVAC system is supplied by a Rinnai tankless water heater. The Meridian 13 SEER condensing unit provides low cost air conditioning through efficient seal-tight ducting that optimizes performance and delivery of conditioned air. This home exceeds the Nevada Energy Code by 41.8% and is 24.4% more efficient than the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code, as rated by EIC, Inc. and ComfortHome Corporation.

To improve durability and maintain building envelope integrity, a combination of ProtectoWrap sill seal, Tyvek housewrap and Flexwrap window and door flashings were used.

When the Rolladen insulated metal window shutters are closed, the house is completely insulated, and the heating and cooling cost are minimized. Paul Trudeau, Hilltop Development

Third-party testing

Upon completion the Showhouse goes through a third-party testing protocol by ComfortHome Corp. to assure the quality of the design was carried out in the field. Blower door testing quantifies the home's leakage rates, calibrated air flow measurements assure the HVAC system is balanced and delivering the required airflow to all rooms, duct leakage testing assures overall duct integrity, HVAC equipment testing verifies the Btu outputs to ensure performance to manufacturer's specifications, and infrared scanning assures building envelope performance.