Thermal Shell Performance
- Unvented and air sealed attic with SES Foam Holcim polyurethane spray-foam insulation (R-19).
- Western Window Systems with low-e coating, argon gas fill limits solar heat gain and optimizes air tightness (U-factor average .35 and SHGC average of .24).
- Exterior frame walls sheathed with insulation board (R-4.2) and SES Foam/Holcim open-cell polyurethane spray-foam insulation and Fi-Foil's Hy-Fi reflective wall and ceiling insulation. (Total R-30.31).
- Entire home sealed with AeroBarrier air sealing system to improve energy efficiency and provide a more economical renewable energy option.
- Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Nevada sun.
- Lightly colored exterior finishes to assist in reflecting the sun.
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HVAC Performance
- LG’s Multi-V, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System provides space conditioning (SEER 18.25 average).
- Mechanical ventilation provided by Broan NuTone's AI Series
- Space conditioning system located entirely within the conditioned space, minimizing any conditioned air leaking to the exterior.
Water Heaters Performance
- Rinnai’s ENERGY STAR®-rated tankless water heaters.
- Enovative AutoHot on-demand hot water recirculating pumps.
Electrical Performance
- 100% energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures from Progress Lighting for all interior and exterior Kichler Lighting.
- Signature Kitchen Suite ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances.
- ENERGY STAR®-rated variable speed pool pumps.
Solar Array Performance
- 33.6 kW solar array utilizing 84 Solaria PowerXT 400 watt solar panels with Enphase Energy MicroInverters.
Energy Efficiency and Innovation
As one of the NAHB’s official show homes, The New American Home (TNAH) 2024 is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits innovative products from manufacturers all over the world. TNAH 2024 is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™. The home has been awarded the EPA ENERGY STAR® for Homes as well as the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS certifications.
Without the solar array, this home has a projected HERS Index of 48. It is designed to be 52% more efficient than the average new code- built homes. The home will incorporate high-efficiency Solaria PowerXT 400 watt solar panels to power its electrical systems, which is projected to provide 100% of the annual electric energy needs for the home! The HERS Index with PV has been confirmed at a -15.
Water Efficiency Features
In addition to energy savings, this home is designed to achieve an estimated 50% reduction from baseline in water use. This remarkable water use reduction is made possible using low-flow water fixtures, natural indigenous landscaping, and a high- efficient irrigation system. Water saving features include:
- Kohler low-flow, EPA WaterSense certified 1.2 GPM lavatory faucets and an average of 1.28 GPF toilets provides the indoor water use reduction
- High-efficient micro spray, driplines and irrigation controller contributed to the outdoor water use reduction
Indoor Environmental Quality Features
Indoor Environmental Quality encompasses the conditions inside a home, and their effects on residents. The New American Home 2024 incorporates innovative strategies, creating an indoor environmental quality that enhance the lives of homeowners, protects occupants’ health, and improves quality of life. Indoor Environmental Quality strategies include:
- Sherwin Williams Low-VOC paints and finishes and low-VOC interior adhesives and sealants
- MERV 13 space conditioning air filters
- HVAC ducts sealed during construction to prevent pollutants from construction activities from entering the system
- Whole Building ventilation system configured to allow the correct amount of fresh air into the home
- Eco-Friendly Wellborn Cabinet Inc. products – Formaldehyde free and material certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Systems Engineering Approach
The systems-engineering approach unites segments of the building industry that have previously worked independently of one another. The concept is simple: systems-engineering can make America’s homes cost effective to build or retrofit and energy efficient to live in. Energy consumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 40% with little or no impact on the cost of construction.
To reach this goal, the Sun West Custom Homes team is working with their building partners to produce a home that incorporates energy and material saving strategies from design through construction. First, the team analyzed and selected cost-effective strategies for improving home performance. Next, the team evaluated design, business, and construction practices within individual partnerships to identify cost savings. Cost savings could then be reinvested to improve energy performance and product quality. For example, a design that incorporates new techniques for tightening the building envelope enabled Sun West Custom Homes to install smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. The savings generated in this process can then be reinvested in other high-performance features to further reduce energy use.
Proving the efficiency of the system-engineering approach to construction, this home’s projected HERS Index, without the use of a Photovoltaic system is 48, which is 52% more efficient than the construction of the average new home. The projected HERS Index with Solar PV is a -71, which will be the lowest in program history!