When it comes to Energy Star and the Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program, the people in charge are really organized! They give us a complete checklist of all the items needed to meet the program’s requirements to have that home certified. When certified, the homeowner gets a really cool plaque, and the builder gets a tax rebate to help offset the higher cost of the build.

Since we have a checklist, let’s review what is already covered under the current Minnesota Energy Code. Then, we’ll add what is a common practice done by builders on their own that is actually a requirement of the program.

Energy Star ZERH requirements covered in the current MN Energy Code:

• Doors: Most standard insulated exterior doors meet the ZERH requirements. This does not cover full glass patio doors. We will review this in the Windows article.
• Fresh Air Ventilators: HRVs or ERVs are already required by code in MN. The minimum unit installed here meets the ZERH build requirements.
• Air handlers and ducts within the conditioned space: Most builds in the area have basements, so everything winds up in the conditioned space.
• Sealed air ducts: Required by current MN code.

 

Next, common MN builder practices included the ZERH requirements.

• Programmable Thermostat: standard builder practice, usually Wi-Fi enabled.
• Energy Star appliances: standard practice.
• High Efficiency lighting: standard practice. AC LED light bulbs.

 

That covers about half the list for a ZERH build. Over the years, some items have become much less expensive. LED lighting: The first time I had to use energy-efficient lighting, I went with half LED and half twist fluorescent bulbs for a 2013 build, and that cost about $800 more than standard bulbs. The cost of LED lighting has dropped dramatically since then. AC LED bulbs are now common and relatively inexpensive.

Fresh air ventilators (HRV/ERVs) have dropped in price considerably as they became more common and more companies make them. Energy Star appliances you have numerous choices and price ranges.  The newest kitchen appliance the induction stoves have dropped in price and are now similar in cost to a good mid-range slide-in stove. There is even an induction stove with a built in battery coming to market that solves a couple of problems.

Since the Minnesota Energy Code covers the items listed above or is commonly installed by builders, they are not included as a 2021/2024 Energy Code or the ZERH build upgrade cost. This may be different for your state.

We will look separately at new DC LED low-voltage lighting as an upgrade to AC LED lighting. This newer tech has a lower cost, uses less material, and the light builds will actually last 20+ years. The number of light bulbs kept out of landfills could be staggering!

Now, let’s examine what items are required for the Energy Star ZERH build that is not covered under the current Minnesota Energy code and needs an upgrade. First up, the water heater.