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The existing dark tile roof on this home (top photo) was covered with a light -colored coating on day 6 (middle photo), resulting in a significant reduction in attic temperature and cooling energy consumption (bottom)

The existing dark tile roof on this home (top photo) was covered with a light -colored coating on day 6 (middle photo), resulting in a significant reduction in attic temperature and cooling energy consumption (bottom)
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The filter access panel on this vertical upflow air handler is located between the return ductwork below and the coils above.

The filter access panel on this vertical upflow air handler is located between the return ductwork below and the coils above.
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The grille in the photo on the left brings air into a return air plenum under an air handler platform. As shown in the infrared image on the right, the plenum is not air sealed so hot attic air is being pulled into the air handler closet.

The grille in the photo on the left brings air into a return air plenum under an air handler platform. As shown in the infrared image on the right, the plenum is not air sealed so hot attic air is being pulled into the air handler closet.
Case Study:

The Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Zero Energy Demonstration Home

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The high-efficiency air-to-air heat pump is set in an overflow pan with an emergency shut off sensor in case the condensate tube were to clog and cause condensate to fill up the pan.

The high-efficiency air-to-air heat pump is set in an overflow pan with an emergency shut off sensor in case the condensate tube were to clog and cause condensate to fill up the pan.
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The high-efficiency mini-split heat pump provides cooling and heating; a drain pipe carries condensate away to a location that meets local code requirements.

The high-efficiency mini-split heat pump provides cooling and heating; a drain pipe carries condensate away to a location that meets local code requirements.
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The HVAC equipment's condensate drain pan is equipped with a water-level detection device that will shut off the equipment if the water level pan in the pan gets too high

The HVAC equipment's condensate drain pan is equipped with a water-level detection device that will shut off the equipment if the water level pan in the pan gets too high
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The IR image on the right shows the sun is heating the southeast-facing wall of this concrete-block house to 36C (97F); this corner of the home would not be a good place for a cool room due to lack of shading and insulation

The IR image on the right shows the sun is heating the southeast-facing wall of this concrete-block house to 36C (97F); this corner of the home would not be a good place for a cool room due to lack of shading and insulation
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The mechanical room in the insulated basement houses the water heating equipment, including the storage tank for the solar thermal system and the wall-hung boiler as well as the air handler for the hydro coil and high-efficiency (16 SEER) air conditioner.

The mechanical room in the insulated basement houses the water heating equipment, including the storage tank for the solar thermal system and the wall-hung boiler as well as the air handler for the hydro coil and high-efficiency (16 SEER) air conditioner.
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The natural draft and induced draft furnace are both Category I appliances that receive combustion air from the combustion appliance zone

The natural draft and induced draft furnace are both Category I appliances that receive combustion air from the combustion appliance zone
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The NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump List allows users to search, sort, and filter for cold climate heat pumps by brand, model, product type, and ducting configuration; an advanced search provides helpful resources for sizing to the heating load

The NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump List allows users to search, sort, and filter for cold climate heat pumps by brand, model, product type, and ducting configuration; an advanced search provides helpful resources for sizing to the heating load
Case Study:

The New American Home 2011 Orlando, Florida

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The passive flow hood (at left) and powered flow hood (right) shown here side by side can be used to measure air flow through outside air intakes, exhaust fans air conditioner supply grills, ERVs, etc.

The passive flow hood (at left) and powered flow hood (right) shown here side by side can be used to measure air flow through outside air intakes, exhaust fans air conditioner supply grills, ERVs, etc.
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The raised hood at the base of the vent stack on this water heater shows that it is an atmospheric vented gas water heater

The raised hood at the base of the vent stack on this water heater shows that it is an atmospheric vented gas water heater
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The tape is covered with mastic to ensure an airtight seal between the duct and the fitting

The tape is covered with mastic to ensure an airtight seal between the duct and the fitting
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The ultra-efficient air-to-water heat pump draws heat from the outside air to heat inside room air in winter and domestic hot water year-round.

The ultra-efficient air-to-water heat pump draws heat from the outside air to heat inside room air in winter and domestic hot water year-round.
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The ultra-efficient ground source heat pump (COP 4.4) delivers conditioned air throughout the home via ducts; an ERV provides fresh air to the system.

The ultra-efficient ground source heat pump (COP 4.4) delivers conditioned air throughout the home via ducts; an ERV provides fresh air to the system.
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The very high efficiency (4.7 COP) ground-source heat pump provides hot water to a tank for radiant floor heat and domestic hot water.

The very high efficiency (4.7 COP) ground-source heat pump provides hot water to a tank for radiant floor heat and domestic hot water.
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The white TPO membrane roof on the row house on the right performs extremely well at reflecting solar energy and maintaining cool surface temperatures while the black EPDM membrane roof on the left heats up rapidly in the sunlight

The white TPO membrane roof on the row house on the right performs extremely well at reflecting solar energy and maintaining cool surface temperatures while the black EPDM membrane roof on the left heats up rapidly in the sunlight
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Thermometer used to measure dry-bulb temperature

Thermometer used to measure dry-bulb temperature
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Thermostatic radiator valve operation

Thermostatic radiator valve operation
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Thermostatic radiator valve schematic

Thermostatic radiator valve schematic
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These ducts were installed within the home's conditioned space in a central chaise down the main hallway.

These ducts were installed within the home's conditioned space in a central chaise down the main hallway.
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These ERV/HRV configurations are NOT recommended because outdoor air can be sucked back into the ERV/HRV before being distributed to the living space

These ERV/HRV configurations are NOT recommended because outdoor air can be sucked back into the ERV/HRV before being distributed to the living space