R2000 Homes

1. R2000 Homes Energy EfficiencyIndoor Air QualityVentilation

2. Energy Efficiency • Built with intent of “extraordinary performance” • R-2000 Standard is based on energy targets • maximum amount of energy that a home is allowed to use for space and water heating • target varies according to geographical location, size and fuel type • Standard operating conditions are used in the calculations for other variables, such as lighting, appliance and interior loads. • Energy target are met by using superior construction techniques and high quality products • Lots of insulation • Careful sealing to eliminate air leaks and drafts • Energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation equipment • Free solar heating used whenever possible • Homes placed specifically to maximize amount of sun in the winter • Minimizes “purchased energy” • To keep cool in the summer: Roof overhangs, awnings and strategic plantings (trees and shrubs) • Energy efficiency: windows have been a weak point, traditionally • “Advanced window technology” easier to get both good energy performance, aesthetics • Windows must have minimum Energy Rating value (operable (open and close) or fixed) • Option: decorative windows: sidelights, windows in doors, leaded windows etc • High performance • air leakage allowed is half of other new homes • older homes have 10 times as much leakage • uses 30%-40% less energy than a comparable home, typically • R-2000 target is a minimum target • may use even less energy depending on construction methods and equipment chosen • Saving money • determine that by talking with an R-2000 builder • many variables—the cost of energy in your region; the construction and equipment used in your R-2000 home, and not least your lifestyle, e.g. the number of people and pets and the number of hours a day the house is occupied. • Construction benefits • many homeowners would give it a very high rating (comfort, quality of life) • “A home with a difference. Excellent. Solid. Quiet and peaceful. Bright. Clean, no dust. Comfortable temperatures all year round”—some of the words used to describe living in an R-2000 home

3. Indoor Air Quality • Focuses of design and building • Quality of living environment • Health • Air can have a big impact • Poor air  tired and unwell • Aggravates asthma and allergies • Many causes for poor air quality • Excessive moisture (basements, bathrooms and kitchens) becomes breeding ground for mould and fungus • Can cause deterioration in the house • Synthetic materials give off chemicals • Dust and pollen  in through cracks and leaks • Cooking etc produce ‘unpleasant’ odors • R-2000 takes a systematic approach to improved air quality and a healthier home.

4. Ventilation • An important key to good indoor air quality is ventilation • getting rid of moisture and stale air • replacing it with fresh air from the outside • In most homes, mostly an accidental • in R-2000 home  ventilation is carefully controlled • Most R-2000 homes use a whole-house mechanical ventilation system • called a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) • brings fresh filtered air to every room • removes stale air, excess humidity, pollutants and odors • air is replaced with fresh outdoor air ~ 8 times a day • HVR captures the heat from the outgoing stale air to pre-heat the incoming fresh air  save energy • cost to run the system is just pennies a day

5. Sources • Natural Resources Canada • http://www.oee.rncan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-homes/r-2000/standard/current/mechanical.cfm?attr=20 • R2000 Homepage • http://r2000.chba.ca/What_is_R2000/index.php