ABC Construction Homes Lead the Way to Nearly Zero Energy Homes



On its trek to find the zero energy using home, Rome, Georgia's ABC Construction & Development LLC was recently featured in the local Rome News Tribune for leading the way in the area to create more energy efficient homes in the area.

ABC Construction owner Bruce Stephens has been building energy efficient homes since 2006, but order to combat the rising gas prices, he is creating oases, which are homes where families can be entertained without going out. This means that the homes will have media rooms and home theaters for entertainment, watching movies together, and outdoor kitchens with fireplaces for cooking and eating outdoors.

Stephens feels that what makes his home more energy efficient is the fact that he removes spaces in homes that suck up energy, but are rarely if ever used, such as dining rooms, which are only on special occasions and usually collect dust.

And in order to combat moisture, mold, humidity and dust mites, ABC Construction & Development's all-electric homes are sprayed with foam insulation, which also makes the home more storm resistant.

"We picture a house under construction as an envelope," said Stephens. "Unlike conventional insulation, the foam seals everything, all the cracks from the roof down. The attic stays the same temperature as the house, and the air conditioner doesn't have to labor."

According to the feature, Stephens believes the "zero- energy" home is coming, especially with the development of power-generating solar shingles that will further reduce electric bills.

He also thinks it's a matter of when, not if, loan underwriters will take into consideration a house's estimated energy usage. That, he thinks, will help stop the practice of energy-eating oversized heating and air-conditioning units.





ABC Construction Homes Lead the Way to Nearly Zero Energy Homes