How would you like to cut your home energy consumption by about 90 per cent?
There's a special house in Ottawa that does just that -- in fact it is the first of its kind in Canada -- and it contains lessons for us all.
The home is a duplex shoehorned onto a very small lot on Crichton Street in New Edinburgh.
It is a passive energy home that does not look unique; in fact, it is meant to blend into the neighbourhood.
Chris Straka of Vert Design has built more than 30 green energy homes. This one sets a new high for low energy use. Off-the-shelf technology makes it happen, and the energy savings can occur in existing homes.
"Spend a little money, upgrade insulation, put new windows in, do things to improve energy efficiency and it has a payoff -- not only in the long-term but in the immediate and short-term it helps to pay for itself," said Straka.
To get recognition as a passive energy home, you must install insulation in walls and ceilings that nearly triples current standards.
You need to put in tight seals everywhere to reduce air flow in and out of the home by a factor of 10 times compared to the norm.
You also need triple glazed windows, overhangs for shade, and a geothermal energy source – nothing exotic just applying it all together.
"Also, we took care to make sure we installed appliances in the kitchen that are all energy star rated. You are being judged on a total energy use package," said Straka.
Ross Elliott runs Homesol Solutions of Almonte. He has become a specialist on passive homes and also worked on Straka's project.
Although he says Canada was once a global leader in super insulation and sealing techniques, Europe is now at the forefront. In fact, within a few years all buildings in Europe will be built to this passive energy standard.
Rising energy costs are getting consumers and builders to take another look.
"The really interesting thing is that while it costs more up front to build a home like this, your annual energy costs drop to a fraction of a normal home and in the long run you may well end up making money," said Elliott.
So, what's it like to live in a home like this? Both men live in these homes and say it's the consistency of heating – there are no hot spots and cold spots in the house; it's all the same.
The duplex passive home costs twice as much as one built in the usual fashion, which is not out of line for custom-built homes.
It is now a showpiece for a new approach to home energy with all kinds of housing groups coming to look at what they've done.
"I think that consumers are ready for this in a bigger way than many of the experts predict. It is just something that makes sense," said Elliott.
