Nappanee house produces its own energy

By Alyssa Rossomme (arossomme@wsbt.com)

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This home in Nappanee produces as much energy as it uses. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 15, 2010 at 11:08 AM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 9:31 AM EDT

NAPPANEE—An Elkhart County company has designed a home that is more than energy efficient—it makes its own power. The "Zero Energy" home is located at 806 E. Market Street in Nappanee.

Solar panels are built into its steel roof, the walls are super-insulated, and the house uses a geo-thermal heating system. The home is designed to produce as much energy as is consumed.

Borkholder Buildings designed the home, believed to be the first of its kind in Michiana. “We believe energy costs are going to be one of the most significant expenses in somebody's life in the near future and so addressing that need we felt was very important,” said Dwayne Borkholder, President.

Borkholder said the cost of purchasing a Zero Energy house can be as low as $100/square foot. You can schedule an appointment to get a tour of the home in Nappanee by calling Borkholder Buildings at (574)773-3144.

7 Steps to a Zero Energy Home:
1. Design the structure and materials to reduce the energy load on the house.
2. Decrease the energy requirements for space heating, cooling, and water.
3. Increase the efficiency of the furnace and the air conditioning.
4. Install efficient lighting fixtures.
5. Install efficient appliances.
6. Install a properly sized Photovoltaic System.
7. Change your thought process and lifestyle—turn off lights, computers, and appliances when not in use.

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