(Source: MARKETWIRE)
Two years after an EF5 tornado leveled the rural town of Greensburg, Kan., residents of the community are touring the first energy-efficient model home constructed as part of The Chain of Eco-Homes project. The first home, known as the Silo Eco-Home, is heated and cooled by an energy efficient York(R) Affinity(TM) home comfort system donated by Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI). Using energy efficient systems, the home will reduce energy costs by 60 to 70 percent compared to a traditionally built home of the same size.
The 2,000-square-foot Silo Eco-Home was inspired by the strength and durability of the grain silo that survived the devastating tornado, virtually unscathed. Built with concrete walls and roof, the home incorporates a variety of building techniques, energy efficiency features and green living products and services, including a York Affinity heat pump. The heat pump provides heating and cooling to the home, while an Affinity high-efficiency media air cleaner and an Affinity humidifier quietly deliver 24-hour filtration and humidity.
The Chain of Eco-Homes project will include 12 homes, all using sustainable products. The homes will be available both as information centers and as eco-lodging where visitors can experience green living firsthand. Greensburg GreenTown, a grassroots community-based organization, is organizing the rebuilding process with city and county officials, business owners and local residents.
The heat pump was delivered through cfm Distributors, Inc., Kansas City, and free installation was provided by York contractor Fahnestock Plumbing, HVAC, Electric and Fireplaces, Wichita. The air-source heat pump features:
-- R-410A refrigerant that delivers environmentally-friendly performance with zero ozone depletion;
-- Outstanding efficiency ratings of up to 18 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and 9.4 heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). These ratings meet the rebate and efficiency requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009;
-- Recognition for its energy efficiency by Good Housekeeping, EnergyGuide and ENERGY STAR(R).
Fahnestock CEO George Fahnestock expects the York system will account for as much as 30 percent of the home's energy savings.
"Working on the Silo Eco-Home project, we felt a keen responsibility to bring the very best technologies and experience to the table in the hopes of moving our industry and our community toward energy independence," Fahnestock said.
