As you enter the Model Home at The Summit of Fort Mountain, notice that although the home looks like any other, it uses 38% less energy than a comparable home would and generates 15% or more of the needed energy directly from the solar electric system. The home has a higher standard of indoor air quality, comfort and durability due to the care taken during the design and construction process.

Green Building Features

Erosion control - accomplished with a combination of wood chips ground on-site from construction waste and silt fencing.

Extensive recycling - grinding the trees and limbs during the grading of the lot for mulch for the finale landscaping offsets the amount of material going to the landfill.

Exterior

Water efficient landscape - uses drought-tolerant and native plants to reduce the need for irrigation and fertilization.

Extensive flashing around windows and doors – helps prevent moisture problems.

House wrap - offers superior resistance to weather and mold growth.  

1.05 kW photovoltaic (PV) Grid Tie system - located on the southern roof of the home, generates electricity from sunlight. A separate meter has been installed and excess electricity is sold to Georgia Power. This system has been pre-wired for future expansion.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation in exterior walls and ceilings – combines air sealing, insulation, sound barrier and superior structural strength in one product.

Batt Insulation has been added in all exterior walls to add energy efficiency and sound barrier.

Air sealing – prevents uncontrolled air infiltration thereby reducing energy costs and the chances for mold growth, insects and rodents, poor indoor air quality and noise.

House wide

High performance windows and Doors –Integrity from Marvin Windows block unwanted heat and ultraviolet radiation with a Low-E coating and argon gas filling.

Tankless water heaters - save energy by only heating water when needed and providing constant hot water.

Programmable thermostats – automatically adjust temperature settings during the day, evening and weekend to save energy.

ENERGY STAR® lighting fixtures – provide superb lighting while reducing the amount of electricity used for lighting. Dimmable compact fluorescents are used extensively, reducing lighting loads by approximately 70%.

Kitchen

Mold resistant tile backer and wet area wall board – resist mold growth.

ENERGY STAR dishwasher- uses 10-50% less water than standard models.

Bathrooms

On-demand hot water system – occupancy sensor signals for hot water to be pumped to faucets before turning on water, reducing waiting and wasted water and energy.

Energy efficient bath fans vented to exterior – silently remove unwanted moisture and odors from the home.

Mold resistant tile backer and wet area wall board – resist mold growth.

Water efficient fixtures – reduce water usage while maintaining water pressure.

Laundry Room

Energy Star appliances –uses 10 50% less energy and water than standard models

Basement and Attic

Sealed, non-vented conditioned Attic with closed –cell spray foam- prevents heat buildup in normally hot attic storage area, allows duct work to be contained within conditioned space and greatly improves comfort

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Basement is sealed with closed cell spray foam- helps maintain proper humidity levels throughout the home while preventing heat loss and condensation and mold growth.

High performance HVAC systems – heat pumps with duel fuel gas furnaces are properly sized to meet buiding’s needs.

Sealed combustion furnaces and water heaters – prevent carbon monoxide, water vapor and other contaminants from entering the home.

Forced-air-ductwork – ducts are sized to deliver correct airflow to each room and sealed with mastic to prevent leaks.

For more information please visit ww w.millionsolarroofs.org , www.eere.energy.gov and www.ibacos.com