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Hot-Dry/Mixed-Dry

Map of the Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry regions of the United States.

This Building America Optimized Solution describes a set of building practices necessary to achieve the next step in energy performance for new homes (approximately 30% energy savings above the B10 Benchmark - roughly consistent with the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code).   This package of measures meets and exceeds DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program requirements and was selected for its performance in the following areas:

  • Energy Savings
  • Affordability
  • Buildability
  • Durability
  • Healthy Indoor Environment

The high performance builders profiled in the case studies found below the interactive box show just a few examples of the hundreds of ways a builder can meet the premium levels of energy savings Building America strives for, while qualifying for the ZERH.  Print the Optimized Solution for the Hot-Dry/Mixed-Dry Climate.

Energy Savings
Graph of Energy Savings rates for different types of homes in Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry climates (BTU per year)
Measure Performance Options
Heating Equipment

80% AFUE (Gas) or 8.2 HSPF (Electric)

Cooling Equipment

18 SEER

Whole-House Ventilation

ASHRAE 62.2, 5 cfm/W and No Heat Recovery

Measure Performance Options
High-R Ceiling

R-30

High-R Walls

R-13 Cavity and R-5 Continuous

High-R Foundation

Uninsulated (Slab)

High-R Window

U≤0.4 (R≥2.5), SHGC≤0.25

Air Tightness

ACH50≤2

Measure Performance Options
Water Heating

EF 0.8

Lighting

ENERGY STAR

Appliances

ENERGY STAR

Exhaust Fans

ENERGY STAR

Ceiling Fans

ENERGY STAR

Case Studies

Author(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
PNNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 55 without PV and 15 with PV.