Habitat 4 Humanity Goes Hi-Performance
Towards the end of 2013, the local SW Florida Habitat 4 Humanity VP of Construction called Energy Smart Home Plans wanting to build “green certified homes.” He also said that he came to us after being told we were just the design firm he was looking for.
We were thrilled but knowing that Habitat 4 Humanity customers can experience extraordinarily high energy costs in the hot and humid SW Florida months, particularly in August and September. I suggested that if we focus on energy-saving design and construction, green certifications would surely follow.
Habitat 4 Humanity Opts for Ducts in Conditioned Space
He was intrigued with our Ducts In Conditioned Space protocol, designing the AC ducts below a vented but well insulated attic. After all, we had demonstrated time and again how inexpensively we can build very energy-efficient homes. Inexpensive is good indeed, so we were hired to design two models, each with a 3/2 and a 4/2 option, ranging from 1341 to 1462 sq. ft. The trick was to get the AC ducts below an 8’ ceiling but above the 6’8” door with casing, minimizing the dropped soffits as much as possible.
Both homes would be designed with centrally located mechanical closets and strategically placed dropped soffits within closets and transition beams. We were also very fortunate to work with one of the best in building science, Dennis Stroer, owner of Calcs-Plus in North Venice Florida. Dennis provided the hands-on education needed to bring H4H into the world of hi-performance building!
The AC contractor believed the R6 insulated ducts may not fit in the tight chases. A quick call to the county confirmed that insulated ducts are not needed with AC chases already in conditioned space. After realizing the attic R30 insulation is indeed superior to an R6 duct, the contractor announced “I can do this” and the first Habitat 4 Humanity home with Ducts In Conditioned Space became a reality.
The AC contractor believed the R6 insulated ducts may not fit in the tight chases. A quick call to the county confirmed that insulated ducts are not needed with AC chases already in conditioned space. After realizing the attic R30 insulation is indeed superior to an R6 duct, the contractor announced “I can do this” and the first Habitat 4 Humanity home with Ducts In Conditioned Space became a reality.
Approaching 40 homes with Ducts In Conditioned Space, our local Habitat 4 Humanity affiliate now builds every home that way. Remarkably low $60 to $70 monthly energy bills for all!
Congratulations to the Lee & Charlotte County Habitat 4 Humanity!
These affordable, energy efficient plans are now available online as the Cottage Series Plans.
Dave Jenkins with Lakeisia and Dennis Stroer.