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First DOE Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Home

    • This high-efficiency, factory-built, 1,232-square-foot test home constructed by Southern Energy Homes Inc. in Russellville, Alabama, is the nation's first certified U.S. DOE Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Home.
    • The simple roof design and small footprint common to manufactured homes helps control construction and energy costs including less than $800 per year of expected utility costs.
    • The high-efficiency DOE Zero Energy Ready Home was set up on Southern Energy Homes' property next to two identically sized homes, one constructed to the minimum HUD code and one to the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes criteria. DOE researchers will collect 15 months of data for a side-by-side-by-side comparison of energy efficient performance.
    • The entire home is heated and cooled by one ultra-efficient ductless heat pump that has a heating efficiency of 12 HSPF and a cooling efficiency of 22 SEER, far beyond the federal standards of 7.7 HSPF and 13 SEER.
    • The test home is equipped with high-efficiency appliances including an ENERGY STAR-labeled dishwasher, clothes washer, and refrigerator shown here being monitored for energy and water use as part of the DOE research study.
    • The ultra-efficient ductless heat pump is being monitored for energy use as part of the DOE research study.
    • Thorough air sealing contributes to comprehensive draft protection.
    • The home is wrapped in rigid foam insulated sheathing that is taped at all seams to provide a continuous exterior thermal blanket.
    • Southern Energy Homes worked with DOE researchers to develop a quick and efficient way to dense pack blown fiberglass into the low attics for high-efficiency attic insulation.
    • Factory construction practices offer the opportunity to employ professional installation and a climate-controlled environment to help ensure high-performance insulation and comprehensive draft protection.

      First DOE Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Home

      Project Address

      Russellville, AL

      Conditioned Square Footage
      1,232 sqft
      Number of Bedrooms
      3 Beds
      Number of Bathrooms
      2.0 Baths
      Number of Floors Above Grade
      1 Floor Above Grade
      Home Type
      Affordable
      Climate Zone Temperature
      Mixed
      Climate Zone Humidity
      Humid

      With PV

      HERS Index with PV
      57HERS (PV)
      Average Monthly Energy Bill PV
      $55Average Monthly Energy Bill (PV)
      Annual Energy Cost Savings with PV
      $400Annual Energy Cost Savings (PV)
      30 Year Savings with PV
      $16,00030 Year Savings (PV)

      Southern Homes

      ZERO

      HIA Year
      HIA Status
      Winner
      HIA Category
      Housing Innovation Award

      Learn More

      Key Features

      Key Features
      All-electric home High-performance wall with continuous insulation Unvented insulated attic

      Read the Case Study

      Testimonials

      Video Testimonial

      Watch Videos

      Home owner (or occupant) Testimony
      This is the first manufactured home in the country built to the DOE specs. Preliminary testing shows it uses less than half the energy of a home built to the HUD code.
      Testimony Citation
      Jordan Dentz, vice-president, The Levy Partnership Inc.

      Additional Media

      Finished Elevations

        Finished Interiors

          Under Construction

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            Floor Plan