FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  The pinnacle of energy efficient is Net Zero and fossil fuel free homes:

• They reduce your contribution to global warming
• They cost less to operate & heat
• They are the way of the future: States and cities around the country are starting to pass requirements for new homes to meet Net Zero. Some even require that 100% of new homes built must be net zero by 2030! 
• They can qualify for some incredible rebates & tax incentives

It is deceiving but possible to have a Net Zero home that burns fossil fuel. Not our plans. 

Our plans are designed around using electricity, heat pumps and wood pellets depending on your system selections from the options we provide in each drawing set.

We provide sizing & sample selections for an Air-to-Water heat pump with radiant heat and electric back-up systems. 

We designed around a cold climate heat pump that operates below zero.

We provided sizing & sample selections for electric wall heaters as a back-up. 

We also provided sizing & sample selections for an optional wood burning pellet stove.

We  provide a 24/7 energy recovery ventilation design.

Cooling loads in tight, Net Zero homes are often quite low due to the reduced thermal transfer inherent of high R-Value insulation. However, should the owner/builder like to add cooling air conditioning (AC), you're provided room by room cooling loads. We recommend mini-split AC systems sized to meet the cooling loads provided in our drawing packages. 

We also provide sample selections for bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen hoods as required by code.

Our Net Zero Plans come with proposed Solar PV array system diagrams, locations and preliminary calculations based on industry standards and solar resource potentials (kW·h/(m2·day)) as found throughout climate zones 5A through 8. For your ease, we provide more data than is required by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready National Home Program.  

If you prefer other carbon free HVAC systems, no problem! Our plans provide the details necessary to size them, including 8760 heating & cooling loads on a room by room basis for each climate zone 5A through 8. 

We are all about designing for constractor's ease. 

We wanted to provide stock plans that simplify and speed up the Net Zero process. 

In doing so, we were able to provide flexibility. We understand that contractors have their own methods, favorite products and tricks of the trade that work best for them! 

We designed around common insulation materials and 2x6 exterior studs as a basis but we don't require specific building or insulation methods. As long as your assemblies are tight and offer R-34 above grade walls, R-35 below grade basement walls, R-15 continuous under slab, and R-49 roofs - then you're preferred materials/methods are fine by us!

 In addition to the calculations, energy analyses and HVAC equipment sizing - All plan sets also come with industry standard  architectural drawings. Including: scaled & dimensioned floor plans, exterior elevations, internal sections & stair sections, roof plans, foundation layout options, door, window & fixture schedules etc. 

Interested in just purchasing the architectural design drawings and would not like any HVAC system info - Purchase a BASIC plan version. BTF BASIC plan sets are also sold here on our site.

 
This is an ideal option for those who love one of our designs but live in a southern climate where our HVAC designs are not applicable!

Our plans are designed for cold climates in North America. 

Prior to purchase, please check the climate zone of your building site, details on this page. 

Electrical usage varies greatly based on a home's mechanical equipment needs and occupants habits. For instance, some homes may require a well pump and some families may choose to skip the clothes dryer - and air dry all of their clothes. Please calculate your approximate electrical needs regarding your own habits and preferences. There are a number of online calculators that can assist with this. We can assist with approximate HVAC electrical usages if you need a hand.

If you find, that use a lot of electricity: Additional solar PV can often be added as needed on site ie. as ground mount systems or East/West facing roof space(s) as available. 

Once you have determined your approximate electrical usage next determine the Solar Resource Potential of your building area. Determine your solar resource potential factor based on the NREL map at the bottom of this page. 

With your Solar Resource potential in hand - you can determine which of our plans will fit your electrical needs. 

Within our Plan Book we note the Solar PV Array Production potential for each plan.

Yes - The DOE Net Zero Energy Ready program, requires a solar PV array design based on a minimum available array area of 300 SF. Our plans often offer much more than 300 SF.

Solar PV array production is based on a number of factors such as geographic location, landscape shading, solar equipment selections etc.  Based on DOE Solar PV design standards we can provide estimates on PV production based on available SF of roof space, roof pitch, azimuth orientation, geographic location and commonly available solar equipment performance factors. Proposed PV array SF does not include roof ridge or edge set-backs which may be required in your building location. Refer to your local building authority.  

Our plans are designed for cold climates. Please check the climate zone of your building site prior to purchase. Our plans provide designs and calculations only for IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) climate zones 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7 & 8.  

Refer to the map below to determine what climate zone your site is located in or refer to the IECC's location list here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IECC2015/chapter-3-ce-general-requirements?site_type=public

None of our plans are designed for construction in the following states:  Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida , Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia 

Canada: 

The IECC defines each climate zone by common weather patterns and by heating degree days. Canadian Climate Zones are also defined by heating degree days. A technical comparison of the two can be made with the international climate zone table published by the IECC, found at the above link. But we also did the work for you and provide the translation in our plans.

Refer to the link below for a list of heating degree days for locations throughout Canada: https://www.naimacanada.ca/insulation-requirements/?utm_campaign=ecohome&utm_source=ecohome.net&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=/guides/3521/

(We check the functionality of the above links often, however if you find the link no longer works - please let us know!)