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Ultra energy efficient home unveiled
FOLSOM October 6, 2008 11:07am 
• SMUD’s “Home of the Future” would have $24 monthly energy bills • The builder expects the home to be listed at $679,000 
Monthly energy bill expected to be $24 for this Folsom home
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District says construction is finished on a home in Folsom that should see monthly energy bills of about $24.
The 1,940-square-foot bungalow features two-inch by six-inch framing to allow more room for advanced insulation, solar electricity and a solar hot water, LED lighting, very tight and conditioned attic space and walls and an advanced water-based air conditioner.
Another feature is a home automation system that monitors energy use, solar energy production, and water use and remotely controls the home’s lights, thermostat, and window blinds, SMUD says.
The home’s framing was premade at a local factory instead of being built on site, which eliminated a lot of noise and debris typical of new home construction.
The home was built through a partnership between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and local builder RJ Walter Homes.
Monthly combined electric and gas bills are estimated to total less than $24 a month compared with $140 for a home built to current new-home standards, according to NREL, SMUD’s technical assistance partner. The house is built so tightly that it will be easy to heat or cool no matter what the outside temperature, says SMUD.
The new bungalow is built among older homes just a few blocks from historic old town Folsom. Construction began in April as crews poured the foundation for the home and a separate garage, which will include a 740-square-foot guest quarters in its upper level.
The builder expects the home to be listed at $679,000.
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