Is it possible to create a Net Zero Energy Home by renovating an existing home?  Yes!

David owns this 2,400 square foot house in Harriman, TN that was built in the 1970s.  
A budget of $100,000 was set for the renovation. The budget was very roughly split:

• 1/3 for energy-related changes such as the metal roof and new appliances,  
• 1/3 for solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar hot water,
• 1/3 for other improvements including: the addition of a master bath, replacement of carpet with hardwood and tile, and removal of a retaining wall.

For general information on reaching Net Zero Energy click here.
To learn about each area David addressed to reach Net Zero follow the links below:

• David was able to pinpoint how much electricity was being used by appliances using meters and finding phantom loads.
  Your utility bill will show how many kWhs were used every month.  Meters measure how much electricity individual appliances are currently using.
• David's next step was to change out energy hogging lighting and appliances, identified through the use of meters.

The following steps are usually done in order of necessity by each homeowner:

• In need of a new roof, David went about choosing a type of roof.
• Heating and cooling account for 50% of an average utility bill, so David needed to address the home's heating and cooling energy needs. 
• Heating water accounts for 20% of an average utility bill, so the next area for David to address was water.

Still, once you get started there are inevitably more changes to come...