COMPANY: James River Air Conditioning Co. Inc., Richmond, Va.

INSTALLATION: 24 SEER Westinghouse air-to-air heat pump system, Honeywell ERV ventilation system, AtmosAir ionization air purifier, Kyocera solar panels

COMPLETION: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: To rehab an existing home into a LEED Platinum certified home where homeowners can see practical green solutions in action.

DESCRIPTION: The James River Air Conditioning Solar Idea House was conceived, designed, and constructed by president Hugh Joyce and his construction team as a second home for Joyce and as an interactive learning model to explore practical green building strategies. People may visit the house by appointment for a chance to see, feel, touch, and experience sustainable living. Green strategies used in the home rehab include Icynene foam insulation, rain and gray water recovery, sun-tracking Kyocera solar panels, 24-SEER Westinghouse heat pump system, Atmosair air purification, Honeywell ERV ventilation system, Energy Star appliances, conditioned and pressurized crawlspace, and LED lighting. The home is outfitted with a TED (The Energy Detective) system, which allows monitoring of energy use and solar generation, and interfaces with Google Power Meter. The monthly energy cost for the home will be almost zero: $5-$40. The home is LEED Platinum Certified, Earthcraft Virginia Platinum Certified, and EPA Energy Star Certified.

“It will make almost as much solar energy as it consumes over a year. It’s a practical green project.”
- Hugh Joyce, president and owner of James River Air Conditioning Co. Inc.

Publication date: 12/06/2010