Mechanical systems
Mechanical systems and plumbing are at the heart of a home's operation. We cover heating and air conditioning, ventilation, electrical systems, efficient water management and renewable energy production. Informed decisions on design and product selection can affect comfort, efficiency, durability, operational cost and above all, health for occupants.
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Mechanical systems
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The mechanical systems are the active heart of a high-performance home, responsible for heating, cooling, ventilation, and providing hot water and electricity to create a comfortable, healthy, and efficient living environment. Moving beyond conventional systems to modern, sustainable technologies is essential for reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills, and minimizing environmental impact. A holistic approach that integrates efficient equipment with renewable energy sources is the key to creating a truly green home that is fit for the future in any climate, from the varied regions of the USA and Canada to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
High-Efficiency Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation (HVAC)
The selection of your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most significant decisions affecting your home's energy footprint and comfort. Modern air source heat pumps are an exceptionally efficient all-in-one solution, providing both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than creating it. Cold-climate models are now highly effective in colder regions of North America and Europe. For ultimate performance, geothermal systems use the stable temperature of the earth to provide heating and cooling with unparalleled efficiency. Crucially, in an airtight modern home, a balanced ventilation system is not optional. A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is essential for supplying a constant stream of fresh, filtered air while recovering energy from the stale exhaust air, ensuring excellent indoor air quality without a major energy penalty.
Sustainable Plumbing, Water Heaters, and Electrical Systems
Efficiency in a home extends beyond heating and cooling to the systems that manage water and electricity. In plumbing, specifying low-flow fixtures like toilets, showerheads, and faucets is a simple first step to significantly reduce water consumption. Further savings can be achieved with systems like drain water heat recovery (DWHR), which captures energy from warm drain water to preheat incoming fresh water. For hot water generation, heat pump water heaters are a leading technology, using a fraction of the electricity of conventional electric resistance tanks. On-demand tankless water heaters are another excellent option for saving energy by only heating water when it is needed. On the electrical side, designing a robust system includes specifying 100% LED lighting and planning for future needs, such as dedicated circuits for electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Integrating Renewable Energy for a Net-Zero Ready Home
Integrating renewable energy systems allows a home to produce its own clean power, dramatically reducing its reliance on the grid and its carbon footprint. The most common technology for homes is a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which converts sunlight directly into electricity. The feasibility and payback period for solar PV depend on your location's solar resource (or insolation), but costs have decreased significantly, making it a viable option in many parts of the world, including the UK, Canada, and most of the USA and Australia. For water heating, solar thermal systems can use the sun's energy to directly heat water. By designing a home with an ultra-efficient building envelope and mechanical systems first, you reduce the size of the renewable energy system needed to meet the home's demands, making the goal of a Net-Zero energy home both achievable and affordable. We also have Canada's and the USA's most comprehensive high performance and sustainable prefabricated and modular homes directory available here, searchable by Province or State, as well as the largest online directory of green construction contractors and the best and most experienced Architects that are skilled in designing sustainable homes to LEED and Passive House standards here on EcoHome.