Mission Zero House
Old West Side Historic District, Ann Arbor, Michigan
A Net-Zero Energy Home (also called Zero Energy Home) is a home that produces as much or more energy than the occupants consume. This is accomplished by first reducing energy demand, typically by 60% - 70%, then meeting that demand by adding on-site renewable energy.
What is Net-Zero Energy
We Consumed
7,320 kWh
Our Solar Produced
8,969 kWh
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Light with LEDs
Use Motion Sensors on lights
Seal the envelope
Insulate well
Restore the old windows
Add Low-E Storm windows
Kill the vampire power
Install water efficient fixtures
1. Lose Less
2. Use Less
3. Produce
Geothermal Heating & cooling
Smart thermostat & controls
Energy Recovery Ventilator
Induction Range*
Energy Star Appliances
Energy Monitor
Solar panels on roof
America’s oldest Net Zero Energy residence
Michigan’s first Net Zero Energy house
America’s first Net Zero home rehabilitation in a historic district
Reuse
Materials and Restoration
How we restored our original windows: Video & case study
By restoring our original historic windows and adding modern weatherstripping, we reduced our air leakage by and astonishing 70%!!
Read the case study from the Clean Energy Coalition by clicking here
When we bought our 110 year old Folk-Victorian home in Ann Arbor’s Old West Side Historic District, it was a dream come true: drafty old windows, lead paint, zero insulation, a half-century old furnace, asbestos siding, a gas powered mower in the shed and even a few pieces of coal scattered around the back yard. What more could a couple ask for? Learn more by clicking here.
How we went net-zero: Video & more
One of USA Today’s Seven
Best Green Homes of 2010
On a June day when it was over 92 degrees outside, inside the Grocoff’s home it was a cozy 72. But that comfort wasn’t costing them a penny on their energy bill. Watch this video to find out how in March 2011 they paid their last energy bill ever. Learn more by clicking here.
ABC News:
“Sustainable
perfection.”
Average Residential Monthly Use (.xls)
908 kWh (kilowatthour)
Average Residential Monthly Bill (.xls)
$104.52
*NOTE: These numbers are the average U.S. household electricity consumption only. It DOES NOT include gas for heat, hot water, drying clothes, etc. So, the average family is consuming much more in electricity alone than we consume for our total energy use. SOURCE
How we compare to the average U.S. Household
*With upcoming addition of induction cooktop we will be a 100% electric household . . . powered by the sun. We do not consider the house net zero until we use no combustion or dirty fossil fuels. We’ll then register for the Living Building Challenge.
12 month period
March 2011 - March 2012
Three Steps to Net Zero Energy:
NOTES as of April 15, 2012:
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•Consumption data currently does not include 40 CCF (annually) for natural gas range. The stove has three pilot lights that run 24/7/365. 40 CCF = 4338 megajoules = 1205 kWh. When added to our electric consumption our TOTAL energy consumption is 8,525 kWh with a net zero energy excess production of 445 kWh for most recent 12 months. We will soon add a 90% efficient induction range and disconnect the gas. Currently for some cooking we are also using a temporary portable electric induction cooktop from Fagor.
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•The addition of a smart programmable thermostat from Ecobee has helped reduce the geothermal load.
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•Apr 2012 total consumption (452kWh) was 47% lower than Apr 2011 consumption (879kWh). There were fewer heating degree days in 2012. However, much of the savings came from the addition of the smart thermostat and new LED lighting.
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•We’ve added a new eMonitor from Powerhouse Dynamics and will soon broadcast our live energy dashboard.
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•Jan ’11 removal of invasive Norway maple that was partially shading solar helped increase solar production. In its place we planted seven fruit trees that will not shade the panels.
Net Zero
Energy Positive
+1,649 kWh
NEWS UPDATE:
Congrats to Matt Grocoff for being honored with the 2012 Michigan Green Leader Award!
