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.