Fink-Simko Zero Net Energy Deep Energy Retrofit
Completion
Occupancy
Two primary occupants spend 342 days per year at residence.
Scope
Project was a zero net energy DER complete renovation effecting all rooms. Insulation was added per National Grid DER requirements. Oil steam heating system was replaced with air source heat mini-split heatpumps to heat and cool the house. The original chimney was removed. The gas water heater was replaced by a heat pump water heater and the gas stove was replaced with an electric induction stove. A drain heat recovery system was added to recover shower drain heat. Kitchen was relocated over garage, dining room was enlarged, and both bathrooms were renovated. Garage door walls and garage door were also insulated. High solar gain low heat loss triple pane Argon filled windows replaced original windows. 7.35 kW PV array added to solar power the house to achieve net zero energy.
| Type of Construction | Retrofit |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2.0 |
| Stories | 2 |
| Conditioned Building Volume | 18,210 cu ft |
| Conditioned Floor Area | 2,706 sq ft |
Location and Climate Details
Single-family residence
| Address |
85 Laurel St Melrose, MA 02176
United States |
|---|---|
| Location Type | Suburaban |
| Climate Region | Zone 5 |
| Köppen Climate Type | Cfa |
| Lat. / Long. | POINT (-71.054738 42.454879) |
| Elevation | 120 ft |
| Solar Insolation | 4.47 kWh/m2/day |
| Annual CDD and Base Temp | 927 | 75 deg F |
| Annual HDD and Base Temp | 6484 | 68 deg F |
Site
Site is 60 ft wide x 100 ft long with a measured annual solar access average of 87% using Solmetric SunEye. One ash tree on the back southern boundary blocks some sunlight and a very large oak tree on a neighbor's property to the east blocks some additional early morning light from the PV in the summer.
Materials and Design Strategy
Two layers of recycled 3 inch polyiso obtained from other buildings was used on the DER roof to save funds and recycle materials. Bricks from chimney were saved and will be used as a garden edging or material for a patio. Rather than replacement, the original garage carriage doors were repaired and insulated with donated Spaceloft and 2 inch thick pink XPS.
The R-8 high solar gain Schuco triple pane windows used are passive house certified.