Buildings have been shown to be one of the biggest consumers of energy. A net-zero design allows the home or business owner to produce the energy they use and reduce the energy they consume. Net-zero systems eliminate emissions and dependency on fossil fuels while remaining comfortable all year.
NY Clean Comfort (NYCC) can design and implement all components of a net-zero system through our own in-house services and with partner contractors to design and build a fully functioning zero-emissions home or business.
Net zero is the balance between the power a building’s needs and the renewable energy you can generate to match the need. With a Heat pump system you can use this clean generated energy to heat and cool your building.
Once you’re on the path to net zero, the next steps tend to present themselves naturally. How quickly you travel along the path is up to you; the key is to keep moving. No matter your timeframe, each project is an opportunity for an improvement in building’s energy performance. With that in mind, CCNY can help you develop a plan that considers the most effective combination of home improvements within your budget, and make each one count toward reaching your goal of a home or building that can generate or source as much clean, renewable energy as it uses.
Components of a Net Zero Building
Solar Electric Generation
Solar Voltaic system (PV) (“solar”)(roof or ground mounted) is the most affordable way to source your own electrical energy. A PV system can deliver 100% of the electricity you buy from the grid. With Net Metering in NY you can store your extra production as credits with the utility for use when the sun is not up or the weather is bad. With the addition of storage and Energy Management you can maximize self consumption of generated electricity.
Solar energy is nothing new these days, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a great and economical option for households looking to reduce their carbon footprint, insulate against rising utility rates, and save lots of money over the life cycle of the system (typically 30-50 years). Solar panel technology has come a long way, making the newest designs sleek, affordable, and efficient. With a solar panel system there is very little to no maintenance, and most panels now have a 25-year production warranty. We provide our clients with the option of either on the grid – utilizing the utility companies as storage for energy produced, Hybrid on grid with backup batteries using the grid and batteries, or totally off the beaten path off grid system.
Hybrid Solar electric systems allow for managing the importing and exporting to and from the grid, batteries, or electric vehicles, and provide the best option for energy security and resiliency in a power outage.
Heat Pump Comfort systems
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are an easily installed, energy-efficient, low maintenance modern way to heat and cool your home. With rebate incentives and tax credits, ASHP’s are the best economic option for people looking to upgrade or replace older oil or propane systems. ASHP’s are great for those looking to save on heating costs, or who just don’t want to burn fossils anymore.
During the cold winter months, the way an ASHP works is by using a relatively small amount of electricity in a refrigerant cycle to pull the heat energy out of the outside air (even cold air has some level of heat energy in it). In the warmer summer months, the process is reversed to remove heat from the interior and eject it into the outside air, cooling your home without the use of bulky, noisy, inefficient window units. In most cases, mini-split systems are divided into separately controllable zones so that greater comfort and energy savings can be had.
High performance heat pumps can handle cold weather. At temperatures below -20°F, cold climate heat pumps still provide dependable heat, and many models are 100% efficient at sub-freezing temperatures. Since they consume less electricity in moderate weather, ASHPs cost much less to operate than legacy systems like combustion furnaces and boilers. For building owners, that means enormous savings over time.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.
ENERGY STAR products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect.
Air Sealing
Air leakage control is the single most important retrofit activity, and it should be considered first in any upgrade strategy for your house. Air leakage control is essential, so every time you insulate, install or upgrade the air barrier system, ensure that moisture does not enter the insulation or building envelope. Comprehensive air leakage control is the systematic identification and sealing of as many air leakage paths as possible with weatherstripping and caulking and by applying gaskets and tapes. Windows, doors, cracks in the walls, interior trim and even light fixtures in the ceiling are potential leakage areas. Air sealing yields the greatest energy savings and improves the overall comfort of your home. Keep in mind that weatherization and proper ventilation go hand in hand.
Insulation
Regardless of the mechanism, heat flows from warmer to cooler areas until there is no longer a temperature difference. In your home, this means that in winter, heat flows directly from all heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements, and especially to the outdoors. Heat flow can also move indirectly through interior ceilings, walls, and floors–wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the cooling season, heat flows from the outdoors to the interior of a house. To maintain comfort, the heat lost in the winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in the summer must be removed by your cooling system. Properly insulating your home will decrease this heat flow by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.
High Efficiency Appliances
Energy Star appliances and device products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect.
Smart Controls
Smart Controls like thermostats allow the system operator to have control over the comfort and energy consumption. With options for remote control over the internet, as well as setting up use profiles, the operator can maximize comfort and minimize energy consumption
Home Energy Monitoring and Controls
Home energy monitors can show you how much electricity you’re using and help you use the data to make smart decisions about your energy use. Home energy monitors (HEM) are Wi-Fi enabled devices that are installed in your home’s electrical panel. Many HEMs only provide the whole home view of your usage and controls of usage. Some HEM devices give you real time data on how energy is being used in your home. However the monitor collects the data, HEMs then take this electrical usage information and turn it into charts, graphs, and overviews of your energy use and costs. With this data more efficient use profiles can be created to minimize wasted money. HEMs bring your energy use and home activity to life visually and deliver the information via mobile apps.
Fresh Air
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) is the energy recovery process in residential and commercial HVAC systems that exchanges the energy contained in normally exhausted air of a building or conditioned space, using it to treat (precondition) the incoming outdoor ventilation air. During the warmer seasons, an ERV system pre-cools and dehumidifies; During colder seasons the system humidifies and pre-heats. An ERV system helps the Heating and Air conditioning system to meet ventilation and energy standards to improves indoor air quality and reduces total equipment capacity, thereby reducing cost of equipment and it’s energy consumption. ERV systems enable the heating and air conditions systems to maintain a 40-50% indoor relative humidity in most operating conditions.