A Net Zero home produces as much energy as it consumes. This is achieved through considered design choices, the use of modern materials and techniques, and green energy.
Our President, Bob Deeks, is the Vice Chair of the Net Zero Energy Housing Council and is passionate about Net Zero homes.
Our clients’ dream Net Zero home
A Net Zero home uses less energy than a traditional home. This is mainly because traditional homes waste a lot of energy that is created for them. This energy can come from burning fossil fuels, which are harmful to the planet.
Net Zero homes rely less on these practices and, therefore, have a lower impact on the environment. Thanks to recent advancements in technology and science, it is now easier than ever to have an environmentally conscious home.
A dream home that will be much cheaper to heat in the long run
Another great benefit of Net Zero homes is that they are a great financial investment. Any homeowner will tell you that utility bills are growing year on year. We have become reliant on external companies for our heat and energy. This dependence means most people have no choice when the costs rise.
With a Net Zero home, you will use much less energy than a traditional home, which alone will greatly reduce your utility bills. Net zero homes also generate part of their own energy through solar, geothermal, or wind energy. While the initial outlay for these technologies is more expensive than traditional ones, in the long run, they work out to be much cheaper.
Net Zero homes are also eligible for a mortgage rebate of up to 25%. RDC Fine Homes has a proven track record of building beautiful Net Zero homes.
Several techniques can be used to build a Net Zero home.
The great thing about a Net Zero home is that you can pick and choose from these techniques to find a combination that makes your Net Zero home your dream home.
At its core, Net Zero homes harness natural energy to reduce environmental impact.
Orienting your Net Zero home southerly and installing large windows is a great way to do this. The sun shines in through south-facing windows, heating your Net Zero home.
This energy can help heat your home, especially with a thermal mass slab.
Installing a geothermal heat pump in your Net Zero home is a fantastic decision. A geothermal system transports heat both to and from the earth. The heating system consists of loops of pipes in the ground where the temperature is constantly warm.
Moving heat from one source to another is much more energy efficient than creating heat by burning fossil fuels.
In winter, heat is drawn up from the earth, and this energy heats the Net Zero home. In warmer months, the heat pump can remove excess heat from the Net Zero home and return it to the earth.
The energy created by the geothermal heat pump can also heat water tanks in the home.
Energy efficient appliances are a great addition to a Net Zero home
Another great way to create energy for home use is with solar panels. Solar panels are becoming very common in new homes. They are a great way to heat water tanks or even charge your electric car or e-bike.
Over the past few years, incredible advancements and discoveries in material technologies have allowed us to create Net Zero homes that are both beautiful and functional.
A thermal mass slab, generally made from stone, masonry, or concrete, acts as a natural heat regulator in your Net Zero home. The slab absorbs heat throughout the day and dissipates it throughout the night, allowing you to keep your Net Zero home at a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
A polished concrete floor in a south-facing room with large windows will go a long way toward making your home Net Zero.
One of the least energy-efficient parts of traditional homes is the windows. Traditional windows, made from inefficient materials, allow a vast amount of heat to pass through them. It is also vitally important that the window frame is sealed properly to prevent heat from escaping.
Window frames made from high-quality uPVC or fibreglass can really help reduce heat loss. Low-emissivity glass allows light and energy in but is very good at keeping heat from escaping.
A thermal mass slab being installed
LED lights have advanced greatly in recent years, and they are now suitable for almost any situation in a Net Zero home.
They are cheap, very energy efficient, give off minimal heat, and have a very long lifespan. A quality LED light has a lifespan of ten years.
Energy-efficient appliances have been available for quite some time now. Using energy-efficient appliances can reduce your home’s energy and water use. Over their lifespan, they will also cost less to run than inefficient appliances. When shopping for a new appliance, read and understand the EnerGuide label.
RDC Fine Homes is passionate and knowledgeable about Net Zero homes.
Get in touch with us today and see how we can make your dream Net Zero home a reality.
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We specialize in building custom homes and renovations in the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Corridor, including Whistler, Squamish, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Pemberton.
