Transforming a 1950s Ranch: A Journey to Net-Zero Living
In the heart of the Brightwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia, a humble 1950s ranch house has undergone an extraordinary transformation. What began as a desire to live more sustainably resulted in achieving net-zero residential energy consumption. With the help of Electrify DC and District agencies, the homeowners, Kim and Charlie, took this remarkable journey to reduce their environmental footprint and to create a model for practical, eco-friendly living.
In the heart of the Brightwood neighborhood of the District of Columbia, a humble 1950s ranch house has undergone an extraordinary transformation. What began as a desire to live more sustainably resulted in achieving net-zero residential energy consumption. With the help of Electrify DC and District agencies, the homeowners, Kim and Charlie, took this remarkable journey to reduce their environmental footprint and to create a model for practical, eco-friendly living. “We composted, used public transportation, and purchased a hybrid car. We did all the little things, living minimally and involving our kids. Now it was time for bigger projects,” said Kim. Their plan would cut down on dirty fossil fuels, taking advantage of tax incentives.
Solar Panels on the roof provide enough energy for residents needs.
Starting the Transformation
Kim and Charlie purchased their home six years ago. Although the property had been renovated by a developer, they saw it as a canvas for their sustainable lifestyle. Notably, two major appliances were already electric: their water heater and clothes dryer. Their commitment to climate justice and sustainable living drove them to make green upgrades to their home.
After receiving several mailers from solar energy companies, Kim and Charlie began investigating solar. “Because of the style of our house, we have a lot of roof to work with and installed a total of 40 panels on the north and south facing roofs,” said Charlie. The SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) and tax incentives from their solar array went a long way to fund what came next.
Building on Success
With the solar panels up and running, the next step was continuing to improve the home's energy efficiency using the income from the energy they were producing. Their focus shifted to enhancing their home’s envelope. They hired a home energy auditor who created a checklist of priorities identifying areas where their home was drafty and not properly insulated creating wasted energy. They undertook several key projects:
Attic and Crawl Space Insulation: Kim and Charlie assessed their home’s building envelope and energy use and discovered significant inefficiencies. They upgraded insulation in the attic and crawl space, sealing gaps and enhancing the overall thermal envelope of the house. This work was crucial in reducing heating and cooling demands, paving the way for future electrification efforts.
Heat Pump Installation: Kim and Charlie installed a heat pump, updating their HVAC and eliminating gas usage. They worked closely with their electrician to ensure their home was ready with new circuitry, and avoiding the need to upgrade their entire panel. By August 2024, their new heat pump was up and running, replacing an aging natural gas furnace and air conditioning unit that they were able to pass along were able to donate to their neighbor.
Electrifying the Kitchen: Alongside the heat pump installation, they electrified their gas kitchen to an induction stove and oven they just purchased at Costco during the Labor day sales!
Lessons Learned and Future Plans
Throughout their journey, Kim and Charlie learned valuable lessons about managing costs, working with contractors, and strategically using incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and the DC Department of Buildings, straddling calendar years to avoid caps and working within their household cash flow. They also realized that maintaining flexibility and not rushing decisions leads to better outcomes. Charlie said, “It makes sense to talk with two or three contractors for each project. They looked at the job, met with both of us, and followed up with their proposals. The extra time saved us money and headaches.”
With this patient mindset, Kim and Charlie’s efforts have paid off. Over the last year, they sold 15 SRECs for approximately $400 each. The electricity produced by their solar panels effectively covers their energy needs, and they no longer receive a gas bill. Their home is significantly more energy-efficient, and of course, no longer burning dirty pollutants which improves the indoor air quality and safety for them, their children, and their dog.
Community Impact and Inspiration
Kim and Charlie’s story is resonating beyond their immediate circle. Their experience serves as a textbook of how a family can transition to sustainable living in a manageable and financially viable way.
Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond their home; it’s a family value that they’re passing on to their children. By integrating these practices into their daily lives and sharing their story, Kim and Charlie are contributing to a larger movement towards using our homes to fight climate change and demonstrating that substantial change is possible with careful planning and dedication.
Interested in Learning more?
Kim and Charlie’s net-zero home is the first of several of Electrify DC’s demonstration sites to showcase the possibilities of sustainable living. Book your free ticket to visit Kim and Charlie’s house here.