Build Energy Efficient with Yankee Barn Homes
What makes a Yankee Barn Home Energy Efficient?
Yankee Barn Homes are built with energy efficiency and long-term sustainability in mind. The standard Yankee Barn Shell Package features our True Panel System, which includes the True Wall and True Roof™ systems.
Incorporating energy-rated windows, doors, polyisocyanurate insulation, and ZIP System® Sheathing, building with Yankee Barn results in a best-in-class building envelope constructed from responsible materials. With an efficient building process, Yankee Barn Homes will meet your goals for sustainability, energy savings, and thoughtful design.
Explore each of our sustainability and energy-efficient features below:
TRUE PANEL SYSTEM
Yankee Barn manufactures our True Panel System, including the True Wall System and True Roof™ System, in Grantham, New Hampshire.
True Wall Panel Sustainability Features:
- Yankee Barn manufactures the True Wall Panel to include polyiso insulation between the studs and Zip System Sheathing on the exterior of the 2×6 conventionally framed walls.
- The True Panel wall is six inches thick and has an R-value range of R28-R40+ (including sheathing)
- True Panels from Yankee Barn Homes are insulated with a double-faced foil, extruded polyisocyanurate foam core.
True Roof™ Panel Sustainability Features:
- True Roof™ System is PFS-TECO certified and uses a panel joint design for impeded air infiltration
- True Roof Panels are constructed with 2×10 or 2×12 lumber depending on the engineering requirements of the house, and have an R-value range of R59-R71+.
- Solar Panels can be constructed upon True Roof™ Panels, for maximum energy efficiency
Responsible Materials
Building with long-term environmental impact in mind, Yankee Barn Homes continuously evaluates the use and sources of our materials. Our standard Shell Package includes the following responsible material features:
- True Panels are insulated with polyisocyanurate insulation, made from recycled materials. With the highest R-value (thermal resistance) per inch, polyiso is an effective insulation using less material, compared to other insulation types.
- Our True Panels offer the highest R-Values per square inch of thickness, resulting in superior home energy efficiency ratings.
- Due to the manufacturing process, Polyisocyanurate produces no off-gassing with low remaining VOCs
- When you choose to include timbers in your Yankee Barn Home, we use Douglas Fir #1 or better for superior quality and durability.
Efficient Building Process
Less Waste, More Savings
Yankee Barn Homes pre-fabricates their True Wall and Roof Panels onsite in Grantham, New Hampshire. The package components are constructed in-house in a climate-controlled environment, which produces less material waste. The focus on waste elimination, along with the recycling of scrap materials adds to the energy efficiency and value of the home.
“Our panels eliminate the need for additional framing or sheathing required over standard SIP panels. We want to ensure that there is no ice build-up and less onsite waste.” -Chris Sevigny, Director of Architectural and Production Design, Yankee Barn Homes
How to Maximize Your Energy-Efficient Home
To enhance the sustainability of your current Yankee Barn Homes standard Shell Package, consider adding the following add-on features:
Increase Wall and Roof Insulation
- Increase energy efficiency by adding thicker insulation beyond the standard True Wall or True Roof™ panels. Increased wall insulation results in lower heating and cooling costs over time, and thicker roof insulation will capture any heat that may escape while rising through the roof.
Upgrade to ZIP System® R-Sheathing
- Add beyond the pre-installed Zip System sheathing, with a layer of Zip System insulated R-sheathing. to the standard wall panel system. Another layer along the exterior panel provides enhanced thermal insulation, boosting energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling expenses.
Energy Saving Window Glazing Options
- While the Low-E (Low-Emissivity) windows in the standard Shell Package are highly energy-efficient and widely used for their thermal performance, consider adding windows with advanced glazing options. Upgraded windows can offer even greater energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain through windows.
Build or Plan for Solar
- To enhance energy efficiency, consider adding solar panels to the roof or a nearby structure. Additionally, installing a Powerwall battery can further reduce energy consumption and dependence. Powerwall is a home battery that stores solar energy so you can use it on demand and self-power your home to reduce your reliance on grid electricity. In the event of a grid outage, Powerwall automatically provides backup power or easily integrates with solar to ensure your home is powered 24/7.
From small energy-efficient improvements to going completely Off-Grid, Yankee Barn Homes has the expertise to build at the highest level of energy efficiency.
Read about our experience building a Net-Zero home
Results of Energy Efficient Homes:
Blower Door Test
The blower door test is a method used to measure how much air infiltrates or leaks out of a building, which directly affects its energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and air quality. Check out a recent blower door test performed on a Yankee Barn Home below:
