This home being built in Essex, CT is part of an Open Space subdivision with a desirable location close to town that is meant to illustrate "best and highest use" of a building lot that is NOT optimal in terms of solar orientation and instead, has some physical constraints due to road layout, conservation restrictions and lot size. The goal is to build a new 4 bedroom home just under 3000 sq ft. consistent with traditional design principles relevant to the local area that employs as much energy saving technology as possible for the site to showcase to prospective new home buyers the next generation of homes: those with an emphasis on "sustainable" energy conservation.
To reach this goal, this home will feature an airtight envelope utilizing Demilec® Agribalance® open cell foam to provide maximum insulation. The attic and basement are within the conditioned envelope and all mechanical systems will be located therein to ensure maximum retention. ENERGY STAR®, double-glazed low-E windows are being installed throughout the house. The home will be heated and cooled with a two-stage geothermal open loop system which will enable the unit to run at reduced capacity most of the time to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. Additionally, the system also has a "bonus feature", a desuperheater, which will provide a supplemental source of hot water.
Where possible, ENERGY STAR® appliances will be installed throughout the home and all of the lighting for the home will be fluorescent or pin type. A lighting control system will also be used in parts of the home with an all-off feature. Finally, low-flow water fixtures are also being installed throughout the home.
Connecticut’s Energy Efficiency Programs are funded by a charge on customer energy bills.
The Programs are designed to help customers manage their energy usage and cost.
