EEBA's High Performance Home Blog

During the renovation process of their all-electric home, Maureen Mahle and Steve Klocke researched the health impacts of cooking with gas in the house. Some of the common health risks include asthma, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses.  

Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is critical for Maureen and Steve right now because they have a toddler in the house.  

WaterSense^® labeled homes allow families to enjoy comfort and convenience while using less water and energy and saving money on utility bills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released Version 2 of the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program. The updated program, which includes both a revised specification and certification system, continues to promote water efficiency in homes; however, it has made the WaterSense home certification process easier and more flexible for home builders.

This 1924 Colonial Home in Norwalk, CT was in a state of complete disrepair before homeowners Maureen Mahle and Steve Klocke began a total gut rehabilitation of the house. They initiated the renovation process after the home was stripped down to its foundation, framing, and floors.  

When you’re searching for a new home, new doesn’t always mean new – even when you’re buying a home that was just built. Some new homes feature more energy efficient appliances and components than others, so how can potential homebuyers ensure they’re getting the latest and greatest offerings in building energy performance that new homes can provide today?  

The answer is Zero Energy Ready Homes. That’s because a Zero Energy Ready Home must meet multiple layers of requirements, related not only to energy performance, but also indoor air quality and building construction. Watch this video to learn more about what a Zero Energy Ready Home can do for you. 

In August 2020, Hurricane Isaias caused severe damage across the East Coast of the U.S. In Norwalk, CT, communities experienced vast electricity outages caused by collapsed trees and damaged power lines. With their all-electric energy system and backup batteries, Maureen and Steve were unaffected by the tropical storm. 

This Chinese New Year, Chef Rachelle Boucher of Kitchens to Life shared her tips and tricks for using induction cooking to make traditional Chinese holiday dishes. Boucher has worked with So Fun, a chef who specializes in various Chinese cuisines, to adapt these authentic recipes for induction cooking and ventilation.

In this webinar, Gerard Font presents the Connected Home from Square D, an all-in-one solution for energy management. The Connected Home is designed to reduce carbon emissions and provide consumers with energy efficient options in their homes. The Home uses an innovative “grid-to-plug" solution by connecting wiring devices, the “Wiser” energy monitor, and the house’s energy center to create an integrated energy management system.  

Advances in air-source heat pumps, tight wall assemblies, solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart home technologies present new possibilities for residential construction. Builders of high-performance, all-electric homes can receive $2,000 per home from ComEd Energy Efficiency while selling customers on superior comfort and quality and bundling with rooftop solar to offset the home’s energy use.

For the past seven years, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program has played a lead role in pushing the US new home construction market towards more efficient, more comfortable, and more durable homes. In 2020, the program achieved another significant milestone as both Thrive Home Builders (Denver, Colorado) and Mandalay Homes (Prescott Valley, AZ) have each surpassed the 1,000 certified homes mark.

For many years, residential construction careers have been attractive to those who seek job stability. Nowadays, getting a job in the construction industry will provide you with more than job security. In fact, the shortage of talent has increased job opportunities in the sector. Salaries are growing and if you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, you should consider making a career change.