Ep 10. Jamestown: powering net zero

In season 40 episode 10 of This Old House, the team head to Jamestown, Rhode Island to visit a net-zero home. The homeowners, a family of four, were interested in creating a sustainable home that produced as much energy as it consumed. The This Old House crew were invited to witness the house's transition to a net-zero home and document the entire process.

The first step was to install solar panels on the roof. A large number of panels were installed to create enough energy to power the house. The team worked with a local solar company to ensure that the panels were installed correctly and optimized for the home's energy needs. The team also installed a battery system to store excess energy produced by the solar panels.

The next step was to upgrade the house's insulation and air sealing. The team used spray foam insulation to create a tight seal and prevented any hot or cold air from escaping the home. This improved the home's energy efficiency and reduced the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the home. The windows were also replaced with triple-pane windows that featured low-e coatings to help retain heat during the winter and reduce heat during the summer.

The crew then addressed the home's heating and cooling system. They installed an air-to-water heat pump to provide heating and cooling. The pump uses the outdoor air to provide hot or cold water to a radiant floor system. Radiant floor heating provides a more even and efficient source of heat than conventional heating systems. A ductless mini-split was also installed to provide additional cooling during the hot summer months.

The team also worked on improving the home's water efficiency. Low-flow fixtures were installed throughout the home to reduce the amount of water used. A rainwater harvesting system was also installed to collect and store rainwater for outdoor irrigation.

As the renovation progressed, the team encountered a few challenges. One issue was the installation of the solar panels. The roof was older and had some structural damage that needed to be repaired before the panels could be installed. The team worked with a local engineer to repair the damage and ensure that the roof was strong enough to support the panels.

Another challenge was the installation of the air-to-water heat pump. The team had to install a new electrical panel to provide the necessary power for the pump. The installation required extensive wiring and coordination with the local utility company.

Despite these challenges, the team was able to successfully complete the renovation and achieve the net-zero status for the home. The homeowners were thrilled with the results and were excited to see the savings on their energy bills.

Overall, season 40 episode 10 of This Old House shows the importance of creating sustainable homes and how technology can be used to achieve net-zero status. The team's work in Jamestown serves as an inspiration to homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.