To maximize solar gain, we sited the rear wall of the home 15 degrees east of south. The large windows of the kitchen/great room area form a natural solar collector of the low winter sun. Our roof,with an 8/12 slope and southern exposure,offers an ideal location for our hot water solar collectors and room for future photovoltaics when they become cost effective. The 4 solar collectors preheat domestic hot water, and supply heat to radiant in floor heat in the basement concrete slab. The concrete floor, insulated with 2" styrofoam (R10), forms an additional heat storage allowing for the warmth to radiate through out the home, long after sunset.

Soybean based spray foam insulation provides wall R value of 20.8 and ceiling to as high as R 40. Heating is a 95% dual stage gas furnace with 16 SEER A/C with R-410A refrigerant. System uses all galvanized ducts and an April Air filter system. Heater, water heater and fireplace are a dual vent sealed system using outside air for combustion. Range hood and bath fans vent to the outside. Electrical savings come from compact florescent lighting, Energy Star ceiling fans and appliances and the 16 SEER A/C. An abundance of windows reduces the need for day time lighting and helps with cross ventilation for cooling in summer. Water saving features are low flow faucets and shower heads and dual flush toilets. Well water is recycled in the earth with the on site septic system. Recycling includes scrap framing lumber, drywall, excess insulation, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminum and cans.