FIELD EXPERIENCE WITH GROUND-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS IN AFFORDABLE LOW ENERGY HOUSING
The tangible end-user benefits of low energy housing are needed most at the entry level, where high energy costs can be least afforded. Yet, this sector also provides the greatest challenge in managing the associated construction cost increase. Lasting structural and behavioral changes in the marketplace are required to overcome the barriers created by an over-emphasis on first cost. A large-scale demonstration was initiated with just such a goal. This affordable housing project utilizes ground-source heat pumps, low energy construction techniques, and in some cases, on-site solar electricity production to reduce energy consumption by 60-80% from current practice. This paper discusses the creation, goals and funding of the project, reviews the energy reduction measures employed, and presents the estimated and actual results in terms of energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economics.