Search results for "Power bills" in Home Design Ideas

Image Courtesy © Chris Becker
Example of a beach style metal house exterior design in Boston
Example of a beach style metal house exterior design in Boston

Lincoln Farmhouse
LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy
OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home.
CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home.
FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath.
NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars.
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.)
o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI)
o 16,200 kwh total production
o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive.
WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates.
FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage.
RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning.
ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse
CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/
PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

This main floor bathroom had to function not only as a Powder Room for guests but also be easily accessible to the backyard pool for the family to change and wash up. Combining the weathered wood vanity and shower wall tiles with the crisp shell-inspired mirror and sand-like floor tile we’ve achieved a space reminiscent of the beach just down the road.
Find the right local pro for your project

Edison of Fort Valley, GA is the proud new owner of this solar panel system installed by solar installer Green Solar Technologies. After reaching out to GST, Edison was able to have all of his questions answered and a system was designed to cover his annual electricity needs. GST helped to put him through financing to get just the right loan and collect all necessary permits to operate. The result? This 7.54 kW PV rooftop array has become the perfect finishing touch to his property. Now, with his American-made solar panels, he no longer is dependent on the utility company to power his home.
This solar energy system includes 26 SolarWorld solar panels, 1 SolarEdge inverter, 26 power optimizers, and real-time, full-system energy monitoring access. It also comes with a 25 year warranty.

Brad of Houston, TX is the proud new owner of this solar panel system installed by solar installer Green Solar Technologies. After reaching out to GST, Brad was able to have all of his questions answered and a system was designed to cover his annual electricity needs. GST helped to put him through financing to get just the right loan and collect all necessary permits to operate. The result? This 4.06 kW PV rooftop array has become the perfect finishing touch to his property. Now, with his American-made solar panels, he no longer is dependent on the utility company to power his home.
This solar energy system includes 14 SolarWorld solar panels, 1 SolarEdge inverter, 14 power optimizers, and real-time, full-system energy monitoring access. It also comes with a 25 year warranty.

Brad of Houston, TX is the proud new owner of this solar panel system installed by solar installer Green Solar Technologies. After reaching out to GST, Brad was able to have all of his questions answered and a system was designed to cover his annual electricity needs. GST helped to put him through financing to get just the right loan and collect all necessary permits to operate. The result? This 4.06 kW PV rooftop array has become the perfect finishing touch to his property. Now, with his American-made solar panels, he no longer is dependent on the utility company to power his home.
This solar energy system includes 14 SolarWorld solar panels, 1 SolarEdge inverter, 14 power optimizers, and real-time, full-system energy monitoring access. It also comes with a 25 year warranty.

Top-Notch Designs
Whether you're looking to modernize the aesthetics or utility of your kitchen or to make better use of available space, you can count on Integrity Home Solutions to help you bring your vision to life. When you enlist our help on your kitchen remodel, you can:
Dramatically Improve the Value of your Home
Create a Beautiful Up-to-date Center of your Home
Reduce Power Bills with Energy-Efficient Appliances
Add Much Needed Storage Space
Enjoy Top-of-the-Line Quality in Countertops, Cabinets, Fixtures and Flooring
Enhance the Ambiance of your Home with Creative Lighting Concepts

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

Whether you're looking for new windows and doors or just want your old ones replaced, our handymen will provide efficient and professional service that you want with the quality of workmanship you expect. Our professionals can guide you through various options for upgrading or updating your windows and doors to more energy-efficient models, repairing or replacing door frames or hardware, and choosing the right style to fit your home's look and budget. The best part? You get the peace of mind that comes with a written 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Our Craftsman can repair and replace your door frames, window trim and hardware. We can also upgrade your doors and windows to more energy-efficient models.
Sliding doors
French doors
Pocket doors
And More!
Installing new windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to increase your home's value--and the upgrade can save you money on your annual power bill.

This comfortable cottage is the perfect getaway for your family. Take a trip away from the city, and indulge in the calm and quiet of nature. Sip a morning coffee as you take in the views of the trees and wildlife, and with the solar panels on the roof, you never have to worry about a summer blackout. You'll have enough energy generated by the sun to keep the summer fun going and going, with almost zero money spent on energy bills.

Master Bedroom with Patio access - ©Energy Smart Home Plan, ©G.W. Robinson
Bedroom - mid-sized traditional master carpeted bedroom idea in Miami with beige walls and no fireplace
Bedroom - mid-sized traditional master carpeted bedroom idea in Miami with beige walls and no fireplace

Check out this Sun Valley, Idaho net-zero property on 300 of the most pristine private acres with Hyndman Creek running through it. That made this project a perfect candidate for combining a 5kW continuous 24/7 and 365 days a year micro-hydro power system with solar thermal on the pool house, guest house, and main house. The ranch had 8M BTUs running the electric/propane boilers for the snow melt system alone, add another 8M BTUs to heat the facilities and it’s no wonder they had to replace the utility meters every year due to excessive wear. We were able to offset all loads, heat the pool, and enable the property owner to eliminate ~ $300,000/year in propane and electric bills. No more need to constantly replace the utility meter!

An amazing, one-of-a-kind custom home with stunning 180-degree ocean and city views. The home also features an extensive backyard with an infinity pool and jacuzzi with views of the city and pacific ocean. Plus, there are 37 solar panels on the roof, ensuring that your home will always be fully powered by the sun, and be so energy efficient that your monthly bill will be almost zero.

Check out this Sun Valley, Idaho net-zero property on 300 of the most pristine private acres with Hyndman Creek running through it. That made this project a perfect candidate for combining a 5kW continuous 24/7 and 365 days a year micro-hydro power system with solar thermal on the pool house, guest house, and main house. The ranch had 8M BTUs running the electric/propane boilers for the snow melt system alone, add another 8M BTUs to heat the facilities and it’s no wonder they had to replace the utility meters every year due to excessive wear. We were able to offset all loads, heat the pool, and enable the property owner to eliminate ~ $300,000/year in propane and electric bills. No more need to constantly replace the utility meter!

Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner

One of 4 rainwater harvesting systems installed at Evergreen Commons Apartments. All four systems hold 20,000+ gallons: four 50-gallon rain barrels, two 3,000-gallon tanks, four 3,000-gallon cisterns, and one below-ground 2,000-gallon tank. Purposes: mitigate flash floods, reduce municipal water bill, and irrigate a new edible orchard.

Example of a small built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room design in Minneapolis with beige walls

Warm and inviting backyard escape for this family in a newly upgraded Mediterranean style house complete with the latest solar panel technology. This model home is representative of thousands of installs we have enabled across the Southwestern states AZ, CA, NV, NM, UT, and CO. Simply beautiful panels don't take away from the traditional Med Spanish Tile roofing if done well, and installed properly with the right type of panels and racking. We are proud to say we have satisfied so many customers with great solar at great prices and at the same time helped them offset their utility bills to near zero!

Teri Fotheringham
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Save electricity bill. Replace 100W halogen bulb by 10W LED. Save 90% on electricity bill of lighting
Maintenance Free. Extremely long life reduces re-lamp frequency. Save labor cost to replace bulbs with short lifespan.
Wide beam angle. Create super bright, shadow-free security and wide beam distribution for general purpose flood lighting.
Waterproof. IP66.
Totally flexible solution. Fixtures come with a yoke-style arm can be positioned in almost any angle and a variety of application settings.
Ultra-compact size. One-piece housing measuring only 4.71 x 5 x 1.44 inches.
Durable housing. Rugged die-cast aluminum, scratch and fade resistant. Excellent appearance.
Tempered Glass. Safe and extremely high light transmittance.
Eco-Friendly. No lead or mercury.
No Hazardous Emissions. No UV or IR Radiation.
Input Voltage: 100-240 V AC.
Length of the cable: 5.9-11.8 inches.
Ideal for stadiums, squares, billboards, parking lots, building exterior wall, etc.

Roll Shield for doors and windows offer security, privacy, and energy savings! Our Security Shutters mount outside your home or business, and operate from the inside, offering 100% light, sun, and UV ray blockage. With aluminum-walled slats injection-filled with foam, your home or business is provided protection against intruders, as well as noise insulation. In addition, you can watch your energy bills decrease up to 20% with the R4 insulating quality of these sturdy slat packs. With Outerware For Windows Roll Shields installed, you can feel secure that your home is locked while you are away. The versatility offered with Rolling Shutters allows you to enclose your patio for that extra room or storage space. Outerware For Windows Retractable Security Shutter can be wall switch or remote-controlled, in addition, to manually operated. A battery backup or crank override system ensures the Security Shutters are fully operational in the event of a power failure or emergency.
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