Hammers, nails, hard work and ingenuity build more than a house – they can build a home so efficient it saves money.Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated more than 80,000 houses for families in need since its inception in 1976. Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (Habitat) is going one step further in its effort to create affordable housing for low-income families.

The organization has built the first Habitat house in Iowa to meet Energy Star standards, demonstrating the benefits of energy efficiency. A family of four is now living comfortably and saving money in the newly constructed home in Mason City, Iowa. It is expected to save 50 percent of typical energy expenses.

"We’re just putting some common sense to the way we build things," said Earl Mason, Habitat board member and volunteer.

Nuts and Bolts

When Habitat began planning for its newest project last year, Mason discovered energy-efficient house plans on a website for the National Affordable Housing Network. The plans called for simple energy- saving measures that didn’t greatly affect the building cost The house was built with a crawl space to avoid basement heating and subsequent heat losses through foundation walls.

Habitat for Humanity constructed this three-bedroom home to
meet Energy Star standards for a family of four in Mason City.

 

Two exterior walls were filled with insulation, eliminating conductivity between the interior and exterior walls.

The house also has a 100-percent vapor barrier.

Interior construction varied greatly from normal methods. Drywall was applied to the entire ceiling and inside perimeter walls before any interior walls were erected, preventing air leaks. Special roof trusses provide insulation over the entire ceiling.

Additional energy-efficiency features include the use of a 25,000 BTU closed-combustion space heater instead of a furnace, and whole-house ventilation to bring in fresh air continually.


The home includes high-performance doors
and windows, which minimize air leaks.

 

Family Matters
Since moving into the house in November 1998, Kai and Sue Kral, along with their sons, Jake and Nathan, have reaped the benefits of Habitat’s energy-efficiency efforts.

"Our utility bills have been running between $70 and $90," said Sue Kral. "They used to be $120 in a house the same size as this one."

Mason said, "Habitat works with people whose incomes are not high. We pay close attention to keeping the utilities low." He said energy costs will continue to decrease as the Krals learn how to properly adjust the ventilator. "The house is also very quiet because of the extra insulation," Kral said. That insulation and carefully sealed seams make temperature regulation easier as well.

Energy-efficient equipment such as this
sealed combustion water heater help cut
the home's energy use by 50 percent.

Follow the Leader

At a recent regional Habitat for Humanity meeting, the Krals’ home was presented as an example of innovation and leadership. Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International, said the energy-efficient design information will be made available
to all 1,800 active Habitat affiliates. "This is turning out to be a great success. We intend to build all our homes to Energy Star standards from here on out," Mason said. In fact, the organization is forging ahead in its energy efforts.

It is now working with the Iowa Renewable Energy Association to build a photovoltaic solar home in 2000. The home is hoped to be completely unconnected to the electricity grid. "Saving energy is simple to do," said Mason. "You just need to learn how and make a commitment to it."