August 12, 2009 Net Zero Energy Home Tour

On August 12th 50 area residents gathered at the Brockway home of Thomas and Verona Chambers. Their all electric, first-of-its-kind-in-Wisconsin, net zero energy home is expected to return more electricity to the grid than it purchases. Utilizing geo-thermal and solar energy and incorporating many state of the art energy saving technologies, the home has clean European styling as well as clean energy. The cool to the touch cook surface and the built in coffee maker reflect Verona’s German roots.

Water saving features includes “structural plumbing”. A button at the hot water taps drain cooled water in pipes back to the water heater before almost instantly delivering fresh hot water to the faucet. Copper water pipe coils around tub and shower drains capture heat from waste water, pre-heating water entering the hot water heater. And low volume, two stage toilets use only the amount of water required to get the job done.

Solar panels automatically track the sun and reorient themselves in the evening, ready to catch the eastern morning rays. With its north view of the river, “pencil” windows were carefully selected and placed to admit the maximum southern light with the minimum amount of glass, then view framing windows were used riverward.

All the geo-thermal, solar and energy saving features of the Chambers home are available commercially. “You just have to want and ask for them”, says Tom. Home owners are encouraged to research the many tax, Focus on Energy and power company rebates available for energy saving appliances and home heating and cooling systems.