Technology

The new Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhoods™ are designed to be net zero and built with the most efficient building envelope to keep energy bills cost-effective for Habitat families. Below is some information about the new smart homes.

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to the netting out of greenhouse gas emissions, where the home saves more CO2 emissions than consumers produce to power, heat and cool the home on an annual basis.

What makes these homes smart?

When talking about smart homes, it is important to think of construction and lifestyle decisions that keep our energy bills manageable and support more environmentally friendly living. Internet connectivity plays an important role in home automation and integrating more renewable sources of energy that lower the home’s carbon footprint. The Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhoods have been designed and built with the most energy efficient building technology materials and smart technologies to allow residents to live a smarter energy lifestyle.

What kinds of smart technology are in the homes?

The new homes will include a number of smart technology features that you may or may not be familiar with. Aside from a smart thermostat, these homes also will include:

• Backup power supply in the form of batteries in the garage that can keep the power on during outages
• Rooftop solar panels
• 240 VAC circuits in the garage for EV charging
• Smart electrical panel

What is an energy efficient building envelope?

A home’s “building envelope” refers to engineering and building practices that help manage the energy use in a home. This can be related to indoor heating or cooling, insulation, and the thermal barrier of the home. In Illinois, where it can get very cold, using specific products and approaches can help keep energy bills more efficient.

The Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhoods homes have the following features:

• Battery storage system
• Insulating concrete forms (ICFs)
• Spray foam
• Energy efficient windows
• Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system
• LED lighting

Where can I learn more about how I can make my own home smart or more energy efficient?

More information and energy savings tips can be found at Energy Saving Tips | Nicor Gas.