The Zero-Energy House: The Bold Low-Cost Breakthrough that may Revolutionize Housing

The world is in the early stages of a revolution in housing. About 200 houses have already been built in Canada that use under $125/yr for electric-resistance space heating — even where winter temperatures are typically -25°F. The same low-energy houses built in the U.S. would use zero energy for space heating. What's promising is that the energy-saving features add only a modest sum to the initial cost of the house — anywhere from $600 to $4,000, far cheaper than active solar systems (which wouldn't furnish 100% of heating needs either). The key features to these zero-energy houses: solar orientation of house; massive amounts of insulation in walls and ceilings; polyethylene sheeting in walls and ceilings to prevent air from leaking into or out of the house; an air-air heat exchanger to use the stale, outgoing indoor air to preheat fresh air. The housing industry will be slow to respond — unless homebuyers demand such houses.