 |
 |
 |
The Millennium Star Home was designed to use approximately one-half of the heating and cooling energy of a conventional new home. One of the benefits of designing and building a home that is super energy efficient is that not only are the heating and cooling costs drastically reduced, but also the cost of installation is lower due to reduced heating and cooling requirements. To determine the heating and cooling requirements, a heat loss analysis was completed based on the blueprints, the various components of the structure, the building orientation and the estimated air leakage rate. The heating requirement for the Millennium Star Home is 24,000 Btu/hour output based on annual degree days of 9901. The projected annual heating cost is $280. For demonstration purposes, we've installed a variety of heating types in the Millennium Star Home. Each type is being monitored so the data collected will show how much each system contributes as a heating source and how the heating energy correlates with the outside climatic conditions. Five of the six heating types are electric so we are able to take advantage of Minnesota Power's low-cost Dual Fuel interruptible service rate at 3.7 cents per kWh. To qualify for the special low rate, we had to install a non-electric backup heating source that is capable of continuous operation to meet the total space heating needs of the house. The direct vent gas fireplace with ducted air distribution provides that requirement. Select from the heating types below to learn more about these heating systems:
|
|
The Project
| Energy Technologies/Products
| Building Performance & Monitoring
| Return Home © Copyright 2001, Minnesota Power |