R2000 Homes Energy Efficiency Indoor Air Quality Ventilation

Energy Efficiency Built with intent of “extraordinary performance” R-2000 Standard is based on energy targets –maximum amount of energy that a home is allowed to use for space and water heating –target varies according to geographical location, size and fuel type –Standard operating conditions are used in the calculations for other variables, such as lighting, appliance and interior loads. Energy target are met by using superior construction techniques and high quality products –Lots of insulation –Careful sealing to eliminate air leaks and drafts –Energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation equipment Free solar heating used whenever possible –Homes placed specifically to maximize amount of sun in the winter –Minimizes “purchased energy” –To keep cool in the summer: Roof overhangs, awnings and strategic plantings (trees and shrubs) Energy efficiency: windows have been a weak point, traditionally –“Advanced window technology” easier to get both good energy performance, aesthetics –Windows must have minimum Energy Rating value (operable (open and close) or fixed) –Option: decorative windows: sidelights, windows in doors, leaded windows etc High performance –air leakage allowed is half of other new homes –older homes have 10 times as much leakage –uses 30%-40% less energy than a comparable home, typically –R-2000 target is a minimum target may use even less energy depending on construction methods and equipment chosen Saving money –determine that by talking with an R-2000 builder –many variables—the cost of energy in your region; the construction and equipment used in your R-2000 home, and not least your lifestyle, e.g. the number of people and pets and the number of hours a day the house is occupied. Construction benefits –many homeowners would give it a very high rating (comfort, quality of life) –“A home with a difference. Excellent. Solid. Quiet and peaceful. Bright. Clean, no dust. Comfortable temperatures all year round”— some of the words used to describe living in an R-2000 home

Indoor Air Quality Focuses of design and building –Quality of living environment –Health Air can have a big impact –Poor air  tired and unwell –Aggravates asthma and allergies Many causes for poor air quality –Excessive moisture (basements, bathrooms and kitchens) becomes breeding ground for mould and fungus –Can cause deterioration in the house –Synthetic materials give off chemicals Dust and pollen  in through cracks and leaks Cooking etc produce ‘unpleasant’ odors R-2000 takes a systematic approach to improved air quality and a healthier home.

Ventilation An important key to good indoor air quality is ventilation –getting rid of moisture and stale air –replacing it with fresh air from the outside –In most homes, mostly an accidental –in R-2000 home  ventilation is carefully controlled Most R-2000 homes use a whole-house mechanical ventilation system –called a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) –brings fresh filtered air to every room –removes stale air, excess humidity, pollutants and odors –air is replaced with fresh outdoor air ~ 8 times a day –HVR captures the heat from the outgoing stale air to pre-heat the incoming fresh air  save energy –cost to run the system is just pennies a day

Sources Natural Resources Canada – al/new-homes/r- 2000/standard/current/mechanical.cfm?attr=2 0 R2000 Homepage – p