As the housing industry moves towards more energy-efficient options, like net-zero housing, Airdrie-based McKee Homes aims to stay ahead of the curve by offering enhanced energy-reducing features for homebuyers.

“There is definitely a push coming from our government to reduce energy consumption and go to a little bit more of what is deemed clean energy,” says Kierson Bare, architectural technologist for McKee Homes. “There are different rumblings around what different requirements are going to be but, each year, we’re pushed into being more energy-efficient. And so, there are goals in the future to have, say, ‘X’ amount of new construction be net-zero.”

A net-zero home produces as much energy as it consumes, which is achieved through alternate energy sources such as solar panels. Net-zero homes also use heat pumps for climate control; pumps have higher heating efficiency than traditional furnaces and can both heat and cool the home. Electricity generated from the solar panels can offset power consumed by the heat pump to reduce the home’s carbon footprint even more.

Insulation is also important for maintaining energy efficiency inside the home. Spray foam insulation, exterior rigid insulation around foundation walls, triple-pane windows and a heat-recovery ventilation system help keep the heat inside…. READ MORE

 

Published and Written By AirdrieLife; Patricia Merrick