$800
100%
or more of hot water
100%
or more of space heating
$4,500
17.8%
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Newer, well-insulated home. On-demand hot water with radiant floor heating for a super-comfortable home environment. Many other low- or no cost efficiencies such as solar orientation, windows, etc.
$800
100%
or more of hot water
100%
or more of space heating
$4,500
17.8%
Property
- Owner:
- Anne Burnham
- Type:
- Single-Family Residence
- Address:
- 109 Picketville Road , Parishville, NY 13672
- Size:
- 1,700 sq ft
- Energy need met:
- 100% or more of hot water
- 100% or more of space heating
- Designations:
- Passive house
- Event Participation:
- NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host
Technology
- Type:
- High Efficiency Hot Water
- Installed:
- January 2005
- Purposes:
- To heat hot water
- For space heating
Financial Details
- Gross Cost of System:
- $4,500
- Net Cost of System:
- $4,500
- Annual Savings:
- $800
- Own or Lease:
- Cash Purchase
- Additional Financial Notes:
- Switching from wood heat to the propane boiler has saved more than money -- it saved my knees! Costs were part of building a new home, not a retrofit. Local materials kept the cost of new building down and saved on fuels - the lumber came from 8 miles away via bio-diesel truck.
Professionals & Suppliers
- Products:
- Quietside
- Installers:
- Erik Schulze
- Builders:
- Erik Schulze
- Energy Auditors:
- Community Energy Services & NYSERDA (Energy Star-rated home)
What You Need to Know
Description:
On-demand propane hot water for radiant heat with wood for back-up and quick heat. Daylighting. Passive solar orientation. Super insulated. Super-efficient windows. Energy efficient light fixtures. Energy Star appliances. Local materials.
Other Benefits:
Radiant heat is very comfortable at lower temperatures. Daylighting is very good for moods - I'm happier in this house! It's cozy and has no drafts, and the natural light is wonderful for the winter blahs.
Maintenance Requirements:
Some problems with the demand water heater, being resolved by the manufacturer. Clean and change filters on the air exchanger regularly (twice a year?)
Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:
Well driller said hard water required a simple filter that's changed every month or two, inexpensive and does the job well without softeners.
My Motivation:
How could I not? I lived in a house I could not grow old in, with features like the "stairs of death." By building new I could incorporate these passive energy efficiencies that allow me to age comfortably in my home.
Advice:
The best thing for an amateur to do is get a good builder! Our motto was "whatever's going to last at least 100 years."
Experience with Installer:
One contractor put many used parts in the boiler and that was not appropriate for something mechanical -- it's temporary, so don't do it! It's a waste of money and time. Other than that I loved Erik, my general contractor!
Additional Notes:
I had to have another structure on the land burn down to reveal the best sight on the land! I live on a lovely south facing hill in a much more comfortable way!
Open House Info:
Directions: Take Rt. 72 to Parishville, turn onto George St. and my road is the first R - house is one half mile up on a curve on the left. Available for Open House, hours of 10-3, on October 13th. Regional tour organizers: Local Living Venture. Go to www.sustainablelivingproject.net/green-home-tours for a complete listing of all homes in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.
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