Vermont 2017

The 2017 FHB House is a production-built house in a small development of net-zero-ready houses in Wilder, Vermont, all with a focus on affordability and universal design principles. It’s designed to be quickly built and easily duplicated while meeting stringent air-sealing and performance standards and a strict budget.

Tools & Materials

FHB House 2017: Mechanicals

From minisplits to radiant heat, the 2017 FHB House mechanicals demonstrate reasonably priced principles of efficient design.

By Tim Biebel

The FHB House is an all-electric and solar-ready house. Designing the mechanicals starts with the target R-values, then the design for the heating system. Minisplit heat pumps take care of heating and cooling. Because the FHB House is airtight, it uses a ventilation system. We use a heat-pump water heater for its efficiency. Radiant heat in the bathrooms provides extra comfort. To learn more, visit FineHomebuilding.com/prohome.

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