Nov 10 -By Rhonda Stansberry - Omaha World - Herald

Habitat for Humanity will soon add an Energy Star to its galaxy.

Energy efficiency is built into the five-bedroom, two-bath Habitat house under construction at 3301 Spaulding St.

Heating and cooling costs are expected to run 50 percent less than that of a traditionally built home without energy-efficient components, said Garry Ruliffson, the Omaha Public Power District's energy adviser. The house is so energy efficient that it qualifies for a federal Energy Star designation.

Ruliffson said the house represents "the next generation in home construction -- in air quality and energy costs."

The 2,300-square-foot home is a partnership of OPPD and the City of Omaha, with donated material from the Omaha firm Tritex ICF Products and other community vendors.

The $110,000 price includes about $12,000 of air-quality and energy-efficiency components.

The new owners, who will take possession by the end of the year, are a Sudanese couple, Duoth Khor and Nyandech Reath, and their four children. After they settle in, the house will be monitored for air- quality issues, including radon and other contaminants, and energy costs.

The house is the only energy model of the seven to be built over the next two years in the Druid Hill development. The one-story with a finished basement will have these energy-saving elements:

Poured concrete walls sandwiched between inch-thick layers of foam insulation from roof line to foundation. Most concrete foundations aren't insulated on both sides.

An energy recovery ventilator, which Ruliffson calls a "pair of lungs" for the house, will be tied into the heating and cooling system to bring fresh air into the home continuously. This component is rare even in new construction. Its proponents cite its ability to filter allergens and dust mites and keep humidity at 40 percent.

A 2.5-ton heat pump, designed to meet higher energy standards that will take effect next year. The heat pump -- which will be able to run at temperatures as low as zero -- will have a 10,000- watt furnace as backup heat.

A foam insulation jacket will envelop the 105-gallon electric water heater, roughly 96 percent efficient.

Double-paned, low-emittance windows are sealed around the interior frame and wall opening with an expanding foam.

Duct work will be sealed with mastic paste so that no air can enter from other areas of the house, such as the attic.

A system has been installed to trap radon and force it up a 4- inch plastic (PVC) pipe and out through the roof.

Fluorescent lighting, both tubes and compact canned lights, will be used.

Three exterior steel doors are insulated.

Appliances will meet Energy Star requirements for efficiency.

Energy audit workshop When: 1 p.m. Dec. 20 Where: OPPD Habitat for Humanity house, 3301 Spaulding St. Cost: Free. What: Watch an energy rater perform an energy audit on the home. The components used in this energy-efficient home also will be discussed.