Building the Home of the Future

Watch as SMUD and its partners design and build the Home of the Future. Learn step-by-step the key features of energy-efficient and sustainable home design, construction, and operation.

Design

The primary opportunity for incorporating energy efficiency and sustainability in new homes is during home design. Advanced framing practices reduce labor cost. High levels of insulation in walls and ceilings dramatically reduce energy use and the size of heating and air conditioning equipment, which decreases construction costs. These benefits are very difficult to achieve unless they are included when the home is designed.

Site and Foundation

Site planning and layout have a large impact on home energy use. When possible, east and west exposures should be minimized and the longer sides of houses should face north and south. Good site planning also preserves the natural environment, minimizes disturbance, and promotes good drainage and water conservation.

Building foundations should be designed and constructed to prevent the entry of moisture and other soil gases. Moisture may cause structural decay and can contribute to health and comfort problems. Radon gas at certain levels is also considered a health hazard.

Framing and Building Envelope

One of the primary goals for the SMUD Home of the Future Program is to provide the best energy value for homeowners and builders who participate in the program. The key is to design the walls, windows, and roof with as much insulating value as possible to minimize the home's energy needs and the homeowner's monthly utility bill.

SMUD's recommendations for wall and roof insulation are shown below. Building Science Corporation, in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helped to develop these. SMUD recommends investing in a high-performance building because there is really only one chance to get this detail right. A house will continue to require energy over its entire life based on the amount of insulation that was installed in its walls and roof when it was built. The other energy-using components in a home (appliances, lights, water heater, furnace) can be replaced, but it is nearly impossible (and very expensive) to increase the insulation in the walls.

Learn more about constructing the most efficient building envelope by reading SMUD's Home of the Future Envelope Design Guidelines (PDF 2.4 MB). Download Adobe Reader.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

All ducts are located in conditioned spaces to eliminate the energy wasted when ducts are located in hot, uninsulated attics. Return air ducts, transfer grilles, or jumper ducts help fresh air to circulate more easily and to balance pressure throughout the home. These components work with high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment that is "right sized" for the home to optimize internal climate comfort, decrease humidity, and reduce energy consumption.

Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of a home's energy consumption. Selecting the right type of water heater and using energy-efficient water heating strategies can help homeowners lessen their energy use, while still enjoying adequate amounts of hot water. Solutions beyond inefficient conventional water heaters include tankless water heaters, condensing water heaters, and solar water heaters.

All appliances in the Home of the Future are ENERGY STAR^® and rated as meeting high energy-efficiency standards. These appliances are high quality, perform well, and can substantially reduce energy use, water use, and costs.

On-site Solar and Renewable Energy Generation

Solar energy in a Home of the Future enables the home to provide most of its own energy, reducing the need to pull energy from the SMUD grid. It is a clean, available, and renewable energy source that can be harnessed in two basic ways: passive and active. Passive solar refers to using the sun's warmth and light to help heat and illuminate a home. Passive solar is integrated into a home's design by using windows, walls, and floors to collect, store, and distribute the sun's energy. It can also be used in hot water systems to replace or augment conventional water heating. Active solar systems convert sunlight directly into electricity by using a photovoltaic system, allowing the home to generate some or all of its own electricity on-site.

Interior Finish

The finish of the home and especially the interior space are important for the homeowner's enjoyment of a healthy and comfortable environment. The home is finished with high-quality materials made from environmentally friendly and recycled products. Cabinets are made of materials with no urea formaldehyde resins. Paints and sealants are low in volatile organic carbon (VOC) gases. Carpets and floorings meet green standards.

Landscaping

Landscaping is a critical element to the marketability of a house and can also help with energy efficiency and water conservation. Plantings can be used to shade foundations and reduce cooling loads. Proper grading will direct runoff and irrigation water away from the foundation. Drought-tolerant plantings reduce irrigation and decrease the chance for irrigation water to create a moisture problem in the house.

Commissioning and Monitoring

Third-party inspection of the home is one of the best guarantees to the homeowner that all the construction elements are working together for the most efficient system. The commissioning process consists of on-site testing to certify that the home is performing as it should and to verify the energy efficiency measures are in place. Commissioning provides a level of professional approval that adds security to the purchaser of a Home of the Future.

Efficient Home Operation

Each Home of the Future contains a whole house energy management system for most effectively controlling the interior environment, including temperature and moisture. The homeowner will be fully trained on the energy efficiency aspects of the new home and on how best to maintain and operate its features.

More resources about energy-efficient homes and renewable energy applications can be found at:

• Building America
• Building Technologies Program—Residential Best Practices
• Building Science Corporation
• Our Green Community

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