1618 Muscatine is a 100% electric home purchasing 84% less killowatts than a code compliant new home of the same size. As MidAmerican Energy (the energy provider) adds more wind power to the electric grid, the home will operate with net zero carbon.
All appliances in the home are Energy Star rated, and the home received Energy Star 3. All lighting and lighting fixtures are LED lightbulbs with dimming capabilites, using only 10-20% of the energy of traditional incandescent lightbulbs. Occupancy sensors are located in the garage and foyer for ease of navigation and additional efficiency.
The home features whole-home insulation with 1" rigid foam fiberglass board and batt in the walls and basement walls, and 3.5" of spray foam fiberglass insulation in the roof, keeping the structure sufficiently sheltered from Iowa winters. Home heating and cooling is serviced by an energy saving mini-split system located in individual rooms throughout the home to regulate temperature according to need and occupancy activity. Emissions standard home materials (from cabinets to carpets to couch) coupled with an energy recovery ventilator ensure consistent and healthy indoor air quality.
Compact water systems of only 25 gallon tanks paired with low-flow faucets and fixtures reduced both water consumption and energy consumption due to less need for hot water.