Ultra-Efficient Home Design
An ultra-efficient home combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination offsets or mitigates a home's energy use.
Ultra-efficient homes optimize and include the following design features:
- Climate-specific design
- Passive solar heating and cooling
- Energy-efficient construction
- Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Solar water heating system
- Small solar electric system.
These homes have a number of advantages:
- Improved comfort—an energy-efficient building envelope reduces temperature fluctuations
- Reliability—an ultra-efficient home can be designed to continue functioning even during blackouts
- Energy security—a home that produces energy protects its owner from fluctuations in energy prices
- Environmental sustainability—an ultra-efficient home saves energy and reduces pollution
The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with building professionals and organizations to further develop ultra-efficient homes.