TNAH 2010 Energy Summary

The specifications and strategies implemented for The New American Home® 2010 built by Domanico Custom Homes in Las Vegas, Nevada would allow it to achieve a minimum of 47% whole house energy savings when compared to the Building America benchmark or 49% more efficient than if built to Code (2006 IECC).  This summary is based on January 5, 2009 drawings with the front of the house facing east and having 6,079 square foot of livable floor area. The energy efficiency specifications for the home include:

• Exterior walls consist of 10” thick insulated concrete form system by APEX with R-23 thermal performance.  A portion of the walls are wood framed and insulated with cellulose insulation (R–20) provided by the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA).  Dryvit exterior insulation and finish system adds R-7 insulation to the base wall systems.
  
• The floor slab sits on CUPOLEX® which is a patented structural dome flooring system made of recycled plastic modular elements.
  
• The attic is unvented and sealed air tight. Icynene® spray foam insulation (R-30 minimum) is used at the underside of the roof deck.  A green roof system is installed on flat roof sections.
  
• The use of overhangs and roof extensions create shade to protect windows, sliding glass doors and exterior walls from solar heat gain.
  
• Aluminum clad wood framed windows by Sierra Pacific, with low E coating to limit solar heat gain.  Windows have performance values no worse than U = 0.34 and SHGC = 0.25; and sliding glass door values are no worse than U = 0.34, SHGC = 0.17.
  
• Increased airtightness of the building shell through sealing of penetrations and openings to achieve 0.30 natural air changes under blower door testing at 50 Pa. 
  
• Space conditioning is provided by five air handling systems.  Each system is in conditioned space and consists of a variable speed gas furnace with 95% AFUE, MERV 8 air filtration, and variable speed dual-compressor condensing units with an average of SEER 17 performance.
  
• All ductwork is sealed for airtightness to exhibit 3% or less (of system airflow) air leakage to the outside. 
  
• Mechanical ventilation is provided by a heat recovery ventilator with 70% efficiency.
  
• A solar thermal system, which includes a natural gas fueled backup tank, provides hot water for the majority of the house. A natural gas fueled tankless water heater (EF=0.82) provides hot water for the balance.
  
• Energy efficient lighting comprised of compact and linear fluorescents lamps and LED lamps, make up a minimum of 80% of all interior hard wired lamps
  
• Energy Star labeled appliances (including dishwasher, freezer, clothes washer and refrigerator) are located throughout the house.
  
• A 10.53 kW photovoltaic system that generates electricity for use in the house.