Net-Zero ConstructionBy Jamie Clark owner ofSynergy Home LLC859-687-0553WWW.MYSYNERGYHOME.COM1164 INDUSTRY RDLEXINGTON KY 40505

What is Net-Zero

� There are two terms we often talk about

� Net-Zero: is a home that is so energy efficient that you 100% offset your electric bill with renewable energy like solar panels. Typically the solar is large enough that it over generates all summer building a credit that is used over the less sunny winter months.

� Net-Zero ready: is a home that has the energy efficiency of Net-Zero with the intent of adding solar panels at a future date. During construction we pre-wire for solar and also add strength to the roof for the extra weight.

Sound good but…..

�How hard is it to get there?�Sounds expensive. How long will it

take to pay for itself?�Solar panels are ugly…�My builder is not high tech enough

for this.

How hard is it to get there?

�We at Synergy Home have it down to a simple 3 step approach.

�Step 1) Shell, Shell, Shell!!!�Step 2) Heating, Cooling and Hot Water

are 70% of your homes energy consumption.

�Step 3) Solar PV sizing and design.

Step 1.) Shell, Shell , Shell!!!

� Spend as much on your homes insulation and air-sealing as you can possible afford!!!!!!

� Insulation is by far the best return on your energy $$� Insulation will never need to be replaced� Insulation will never wear out� Insulation makes your home easier to make comfortable� Insulation makes your home quieter

Heating , Cooling and Hot Water Make Up 70% of Your Homes Energy Use

� Ina traditional home this is still true but a home with high performance insulation cooling can now take less energy than lighting

� The perfect system to control all 3 is the ClimateMaster trilogy geothermal system with geothermal heat pump hot water super tank. It was specifically designed with Net-Zero homes in mind and uses 50%-70% less energy than a code minimum system.

� Geothermal is the best but if you can’t go geothermal it is critical that a high performance home have a variable capacity heating and cooling system. Such as a Bryant Extream/ Carrier Greenspeed system

Heating , Cooling and Hot Water

HVAC don’t forget the “V”

� Today is focused on energy but living in a high performance home is slightly different and needs to be planned for. The ventilation needs are the joint responsibility of the builder, insulator and the HVAC contractor.

� Houses don’t need to breathe but people do!� Moisture created by people must be exhausted� Fresh air should be brought in to match the exhausted air

Solar Panels are the Most Logical Renewable Source for Central KY at Today’s Technology� Did you know we have more hours of sunlight than

Germany the number 1 country in the world using solar?� South facing is ideal for best production� We can mount on the roof or on the ground� Systems sizes up to 30 KW in Kentucky� 25 Year production warranties

Solar Panels

Goldilocks

� As with anything proper design should have a goal of “Just Right”

� We want enough solar to generate enough excess power in the summer to build enough credit for the winter months to break even

� There is no benefit to generate more than you use because the utilities will not pay you for it.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Return On My Investment?

� What if I told you it actually makes you money the first month you live in the home?

� Let’s look at my personal house as an example� I invested $50,000 above and beyond what I would have paid

for insulation, HVAC and solar� On my 30 year mortgage at 4% interest that’s $238.00 a month

which is cheaper than my neighbors average utility bill� And don’t forget about the 30% federal tax return I got back!

Sounds Expensive

Now let’s look at long term…

�Historically Kentucky’s electric rates double every 10 years

�So $300 a month in savings today is $600 a month in savings 10 years from now!

But That’s Not All…

� A builders grade heat pump has a life span of 10-12 years so if you live in your house more than 10-12 years you will have to buy another heat pump and don’t forget you’re still paying for the first one because it’s on the original mortgage!!

� A Geothermal system will add less to your mortgage than what it saves you in monthly utility cost paying for itself the very first month and they have an average life span of 25 years!!

Solar Panels Are Ugly

� Well some people might think so but a growing number of people see them as attractive and is shows the world that you are sociably responsible.

� If we plan the panels as part of your build we can definitely incorporate them into your design.

My Builder Is Not High Tech

� That’s are job, At Synergy Home we will work with you , you’re builder , your architect or anyone else in the contraction process.

� We help advise on not just energy and comfort issues but construction best practices as a whole.

� We will be there start to finish and even provide training on the controls after you move in.

Let’s Start A Conversation On Getting You To Net-Zero!

� Jamie Clark� 1164 Industry Rd� Lexington KY 40505� 859-687-0553� www.mysynergyhome.com� 859-806-4069� Ask me about FINANCING!

Now!