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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Guides and Case Studies for Hot-Humid Climates

Map of the Hot & Humid Climate Zone of the United States. This zone covers eastern Texas through Florida and reaches up to mid-Georgia; it also includes Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a series of best practices and case studies to help builders improve whole-house energy performance in buildings found in hot-humid climates.

Best Practice Guides

New Construction Case Studies

Florida

Project: Bimini Green Home — Plant City
Builder: Palm Harbor Homes
Profile: Builders Challenge spotlight and features highly efficient 17 SEER/9 HSPF heat pump, extra snug envelope sealing, and solar hot water system.

Project: CobbleField — Gainesville
Builder: G.W. Robinson Builders
Profile: Infill development of 265 single-family homes featuring improved air quality, better dehumidification, and hot water recirculation loop system.

Project: Green Smart Zero Energy Home — Gainesville
Builder: G.W. Robinson
Profile: 2,081-square-foot production home with 16-SEER heat pump and ducts in conditioned space, radiant barrier in the attic over R-38 blown cellulose to keep inside air cool for < 60 HERS without photovoltaics (PV), -3 HERS with 6.6 kW PV.

Project: Habitat for Humanity — Lakeland
Builder: Lakeland Habitat for Humanity
Profile: Fifty affordable homes achieving at least 34% energy savings through use of radiant barrier, conditioned ducts, and heat recovery systems.

Project: NextGen Flex-Home — Orlando
Builder: Genesis by Champion Homes
Profile: The modular home was built at the International Builders Show with a HERS score of 58 using spray foam wall, hybrid HVAC system, low-e double pane windows, and gathers energy from a Delta Wind system.

Project: SunSmart Zero Energy Home - Melbourne
Builder: LifeStyle Homes
Profile: Affordable zero energy home with 14 SEER heat pump and ducts in conditioned space, solar-powered attic fans, solar thermal water heating, concrete block walls with reflective insulation and air gap, plus PV.

Project: Two Zero Energy Homes - Gainesville
Builder: Tommy Williams Homes
Profile: An engineered duct design with ducts and 16 SEER/9.5 HSPF heat pump in conditioned space, solar thermal water heating, air sealing to 2.3 ACH@50Pa, and raised heel energy trusses achieve HERS <60 without PV, -2 with PV.

Louisiana

Project: Project Home Again — New Orleans
Builder: Green Coast Enterprises
Profile: Largest developer of Builders Challenge-qualified homes in Louisiana constructs energy-efficient, storm-resistant homes achieving HERS scores of 66.

South Carolina

Project: Bryant Park Cottages — Hilton Head
Builder: Coastal Habitats Construction & Development
Profile: By right sizing HVAC units, conditioning ducts, superior insulation, and solar hot water system, these houses achieve approximately 50% energy savings.

Texas

Project: 779 Builders Challenge Homes in 2010 - Houston
Builder: David Weekley Homes
Profile: Builder with largest number of Builders Challenge homes in 2010 achieves this with superior insulation, air sealing, and framing; high-efficiency HVAC, appliances and lighting to reach HERS scores of 59-68.

Project: Monterrey Model - San Antonio
Builder: Imagine Homes
Profile: This 3,600-square-foot production home with HVAC in conditioned space in spray-foam-insulated sealed attic; spray-foamed rim joists; advanced frame walls with R-3 foam sheathing; scores 48 on HERS index without PV.

Project: TimberCreek Zero Energy House - Lewisville
Builder: GreenCraft
Profile: More than 5,000 people have toured this 2,500-square-foot spray and rigid foam-insulated demonstration home that scores 1 on HERS index with PV.

Solutions that Work Across Climates

DOE has developed several building solutions that work across climate regions.