TxAIRE Research and Demonstration Houses Specifications

Texas Allergy, Indoor Environment, and Energy (TxAIRE) Institute

TxAIRE House #1
TxAIRE House #2

Conventional Design with Advanced Features

  • Energy-efficient (HERS 65) and air-tight (0.18 ACH)
  • Conventional wall framing with blown-fiberglass insulation (R-15)
  • Vented attic with blown-fiberglass ceiling insulation (R-38) - 3 roof vent options (static vents, wind turbine, solar-powered fan)
  • Aluminum-frame windows with double-pane glass (U=0.55, SHGF=.36)
  • Ducted single-split heat pump in attic (18.2 SEER, 9.7 HSPF) with advanced humidity control & air cleaning
  • Ductless multi-split heat pump in house (14.5 SEER, 8.5 HSPF)
  • Heat pump water heaters (2.35 EF) in house and attic
  • Low VOC finishes (floor stain, paint, cabinets, etc.)
  • Sound-proof interior wall board
  • Poured concrete vanity top in master bath
  • High-efficiency compact fluorescent lighting

More Advanced Design Features

  • More energy-efficient (HERS 52) and air-tight (0.08 ACH)
  • Net-Zero Energy (HERS -11) with 7.4 kW of solar photovoltaic panels
  • Advanced wall framing with open-cell foam insulation (R-24)
  • Unvented attic with open-cell foam insulated roof deck (R-24)
  • Vinyl-frame windows with double-pane, low-E glass (U=0.33, SHGF=0.23)
  • Ducted single-split system in attic (19.0 SEER, 9.0 HSPF) with advanced air cleaning
  • Bore holes for future ground-coupled heat pump installation
  • Heat pump water heater in house
  • High solar reflectance shingles
  • Wall board with gas contaminant removal capability
  • Wireless lighting controls
  • High-efficiency and longer-life LED lighting
  • Solar light tube in master bath
  • Recycled glass countertops
  • Low-maintenance landscaping & rain water recovery

Both Homes

  • Low- or no-VOC paints and stains
  • Garage ventilation fans
  • Residential fire sprinkler system
  • Energy-Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems for providing fresh outdoor air
  • Security system with remote monitoring and control
  • Water conserving irrigation