The house in Three Creeks Development outside of Centreville looks like any other traditional, stylish new home. The only visible signs of green energy are the photovoltaic solar panels visible on the roof. And it is noticeably quiet inside, thanks to the airtight construction. Other than those two items, the average visitor would not know that this a net-zero house, certainly the first in Centreville, and perhaps the first in Maryland.
Built by NEXUS Energy Homes, the house is so efficient that the balance of its energy needs can be supplied with renewable energy technologies, in this case solar panels and a geo thermal heat pump. The low e windows, superior insulation, CFL and LED lighting, and energy star appliances all contribute to the energy efficiency. During the day, when the house generally produces more energy than it needs, the excess is sent into the electric company’s power grid, with a meter on the home tracking the transfer. At night, the energy is credited back to the homeowners. At the end of 12 months, there is a net-zero energy usage.
Standard features also include a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtering system to keep out mold spores, mildew, pollen, a central vacuum and NEXUS vision, a web- based energy monitoring system that breaks down the cost of energy use in each home. Owners can operate the house from a remote location, even turn off lights and unlock the front door. This 2700 square foot, three bedroom, two and half bath home came in at a price of $375, 000. ( The owners did add some modifications, so the final cost was higher.)
Expandable spray foam insulation in attic
In 2012 the company launched the North Pointe Geo Solar community in downtown, Frederick, 54 energy-efficient townhouses and duplexes, and are planning more communities of varying price ranges in Jefferson and Stevensville, MD. They also offer a package of architecture, construction, technology and energy efficiency services to those wishing to build a custom, net-zero home.
For more information on NEXUS Energy Homes, click here