Emporia

Emporia Classic Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

The Emporia Classic Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed is a home charging solution designed for electric vehicle owners seeking efficiency, safety, and smar...

$429

View Product

Shop the Collection

Shop the CollectionMoney Saving

House Feature

Net Zero Home Beating the Heat in Houston

Last year, record heat waves across Texas made for a sweltering summer. While triple-digit daytime temperatures in Houston is certainly not uncommon, trying to stay cool when the minimum temperature is a sweltering 80 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity means that many Houston residents were forced to blast their AC throughout the day. In fact, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that during the 2018 summer heatwave, energy demand across the state of Texas set an all-time system-wide peak demand record two hours in a row, topping out at incredible 73,259 megawatts (MW)between 4 and 5 p.m.

Of course, heat waves aren’t the only natural phenomenon that affects people living in Houston. Its location on the Gulf Coast also makes Houston extremely susceptible to hurricanes. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 dropped over 60 inches of rain on the city over a period of a few days. The accumulated 33 trillion gallons of water that fell over southern Texas directly led to $125 billion dollars in property damage as severe flooding affected tens of thousands of homes.

With this extreme climate, finding ways to build energy-efficient, resilient homes in the Houston area is certainly a challenge. Houston has a reputation for large and luxurious homes. With a median square footage of over 1,900 square feet, Houston homes are considered to be the second-largest in the nation.

Can a larger-than-average home be sustainable? It sure can! The SmartLux on Greenpark is a perfect example of a large home that combines unrivaled luxury with supreme energy efficiency measures. The SmartLux showcases how it is possible to find ways to build smart, energy-efficient, and sustainable homes for Houston residents.

trusted by

10,000+ families

shop only the
good stuff

By Tobias Roberts, Rise Writer

Mar 20, 2025 · 5 min read

4,500 Square Feet of Energy Efficiency

When it comes to home sustainability, size certainly does matter. Larger homes not only require more materials for construction, but they will also usually require more energy to heat, cool, and power. Despite these challenges, large homes will certainly continue to be built across the country, so making those homes as sustainable and energy-efficient as possible is a priority for many builders and developers.

The SmartLux home is a 4,507 square foot structure located just west of downtown Houston. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home shows off an impressive Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 39. HERS, according to the US Department of Energy, “is an analysis of a home's projected energy efficiency compared to the efficiency of a 'reference home' that meets the requirements of the latest residential energy code, known as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).” The scale is 1 to 100, where the reference home is 100. The lower the score, the more efficient the home: each 1-point decrease in the HERS score equates to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS reference home—which means the SmartLux home is 61% more energy efficient than that same home would be if it were just built to code.

While the typical monthly energy bill for a 4,500 square foot home in the climate of Houston would most likely be thousands of dollars, the Department of Energy estimates that the SmartLux home will only average $125 monthly energy bills. This represents around $1,800 of annual savings or up to $77,000 in savings over a 30-year mortgage compared to typical homes.

Tri-Generation Energy System

The SmartLux can generate such impressive energy efficiency due to its unique, micro tri-generation system. This innovative system advances over the more traditional micro-combined heat and power (MCHP) systems by incorporating cooling capabilities. This was essential because Houston homeowners rely so heavily on air conditioning to keep homes comfortable. Specifically, the tri-generation system comprises a 23 horsepower, natural gas-fired generator located outside the home. This main source of energy for the home is 85 percent efficient and can generate up to 6 kilowatts (kW) of energy to meet the home's peak energy demand.

Due to the relatively mild winter temperatures of southern Texas, the heating needs for the 4,500 square foot are actually provided by the waste heat that is generated by the tri-generation system. Hot water is also a byproduct of this system, thus further reducing the energy demand of the home.

Besides the natural gas generator, the home also includes a 1.2 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array on the south-facing roof. The inverter for the solar panels is an essential part of the energy control system for the home. Because the SmartLux draws energy from four power sources (natural gas generator, solar energy, deep cycle batteries, and utility-sourced energy), the inverter can “choose” the best power source given the current conditions. This essentially allows the SmartLux to operate as a net-zero energy home. Net-zero energy means that the home is designed to take advantage of the average 204 sunny days that characterize the Houston climate to produce as much or more energy than what they require for their heating, cooling, ventilating, lighting, appliances, and electronics.

During sunny days, the solar energy produced by the PV panels will be the first used source of energy. Excess power from the solar panels will charge the four deep cycle batteries, which help manage peak load and be relied on in the event of power outages, thus improving the overall resiliency of the home. The main source of power is the energy-efficient generator, which relies on natural gas. While natural gas is a fossil fuel, it significantly reduces emissions compared to other types of fossil fuel energy, like coal. This generator will automatically kick in when household energy demand exceeds what the solar panels and batteries can provide. The grid connection allows the homeowner to sell excess energy back to the grid while also offering a backup energy source should the generator fail.

Other Energy Efficiency Features

The home offers a high-performance insulation system with one and a half inches of closed-cell spray foam. Not only does this help to improve the thermal and acoustic performance of the house, but it also provides an impressive 300 percent extra racking strength, thus helping the home to better withstand hurricane-force winds that are common on the Gulf Coast of Texas. The walls throughout the home include one inch of rigid foam insulation that provides a continuous insulation layer to stop thermal bridging and allows the home to achieve an R-23 R-Value.

One of the challenges of having an airtight, energy-efficient home can be the health and quality of indoor air; the SmartLux also includes several features to enhance interior air quality. One line of the tri-generation system sends hot water to a desiccant located in the attic. This helps to dehumidify the home, which was a major consideration since both homeowners suffered from allergies and sinus problems. Special air filters that have the ability to remove even the most microscopic allergens were also incorporated. Both of the homeowners claim to have had zero allergy problems since moving into the home.

Recommended by Rise

Money Saving Home Improvement Products

Shop home improvement products that directly contribute to saving money through their use, whether through energy savings or lower maintenance costs.

Shop All

$429.00-$479.00

Emporia Classic Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

Emporia

In stock

Vents TwinFresh Comfo RA1-50-2 Ductless Energy Recovery Ventilator

Save $160.00

$709.00

$549.00

Vents TwinFresh Comfo RA1-50-2 Ductless Energy Recovery Ventilator

Vents

In stock

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Sold OutSave $800.00

$3,599.00

$2,799.00

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron

Sold OutSave $130.00

$529.00

$399.00

Stiebel Eltron CON 300-2 Premium Wall-Mounted Convection Heater - 202030

Stiebel Eltron

$599.00

Emporia Pro Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

Emporia

In stock

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 220 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Sold OutSave $700.00

$3,399.00

$2,699.00

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 220 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron

$1,542.00

Innovative Dehumidifier IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

Innovative Dehumidifier

In stock

$139.00

Innovative Dehumidifier Condensate Pump for IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

Innovative Dehumidifier

In stock

$587.66

AlorAir Sentinel HD55 Blue 113 Pint Commercial-Residential Dehumidifier

AlorAir

In stock

Stiebel Eltron CON 200-2 Premium Wall-Mounted Convection Heater - 202029

Save $115.00

$474.00

$359.00

Stiebel Eltron CON 200-2 Premium Wall-Mounted Convection Heater - 202029

Stiebel Eltron

In stock

$66.51

Forbo Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc Laminate Flooring 11.81 In x 11.81 In Squares - Box

Forbo

In stock

$1,542.00

Innovative Dehumidifier IW25-5 On-Wall Dehumidifier

Innovative Dehumidifier

In stock

$99.99

Hunter 44-Inch Cassius Matte Black Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Hunter

In stock

$171.50

Forbo Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc Laminate Flooring 35.4 In x 11.8 In Panels - Box

Forbo

In stock

Saniflo Sanibest Pro Combo Macerator System

Save up to $266.49

$1,733.54 - $1,776.60

$1,473.51-$1,510.11

Saniflo Sanibest Pro Combo Macerator System

Saniflo

In stock

$125.00

Innovative Dehumidifier Exterior Sleeve for IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

Innovative Dehumidifier

In stock

$497.00

AlorAir HEPA 550 Air Scrubber – 3-Stage Filtration Negative Air Machine

AlorAir

In stock

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Whole House 24 kW 5 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater

Save up to $268.00

$848.00 - $987.00

$669.00-$719.00

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Whole House 24 kW 5 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron

In stock

$280.00-$428.00

Continental Fan EXT External Mount Bathroom Fans

Continental Fan

In stock

$433.00

Stiebel Eltron CNS 300-2 Plus Wall-Mounted Convection Heaters - 202000

Stiebel Eltron

In stock

Save up to $247.00

$807.00 - $946.00

$619.00-$699.00

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Whole House 20kW 4 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron

In stock

Canarm LCL161A04CWGBK Matte Black LED Barn Light

Sold Out

$40.00

Canarm LCL161A04CWGBK Matte Black LED Barn Light

Canarm

Enel X JuiceBox Residential 48 Level 2 Hardwired

Sold Out

$739.00

Enel X JuiceBox Residential 48 Level 2 Hardwired

Enel X

$314.00

Stiebel Eltron CNS 100-2 Plus Wall-Mounted Convection Heaters - 201997

Stiebel Eltron

In stock

Craftmade Prost 120" Indoor | Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Save $197.60

$988.00

$790.40

Craftmade Prost 120" Indoor | Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Craftmade

In stock

Money Saving

Shop the Money Saving

Browse the full collection on our store.

Shop the Collection

The home includes large, high-performance, dual-pane, low-emissivity, vinyl-framed windows throughout. This allows an enormous amount of natural light to flood into the house while not causing heat build-up that would add to cooling loads. All of the major appliances in the home are ENERGY STAR rated, and about 90 percent of the lighting in the house is LEDs.

The SmartLux home offers essential insights into how larger homes can be strategically designed to maximize sustainability benefits. The unique tri-generation system, along with a smart inverter system, allows for smart energy usage. In contrast, the high-quality construction standards allow this Houston area home to achieve maximum thermal performance even when the temperature pushes triple digits.

Rise Writer

Expert. Practical. Sustainable.

Article by

Tobias Roberts

Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.

Expertly Curated

We find and feature the best products for a healthier, more sustainable home.

Trusted by Thousands

Helping 10,000+ families build better homes.

A More Sustainable Tomorrow

People. Planet. Better living.

Rise | We've Done the Research

Emporia Classic Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

Net Zero Home Beating the Heat in Houston

4,500 Square Feet of Energy Efficiency

Tri-Generation Energy System

Other Energy Efficiency Features

Money Saving Home Improvement Products

Emporia Classic Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

Vents TwinFresh Comfo RA1-50-2 Ductless Energy Recovery Ventilator

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Stiebel Eltron CON 300-2 Premium Wall-Mounted Convection Heater - 202030

Emporia Pro Level 2 48 AMP EV Charger UL Listed

Stiebel Eltron Accelera 220 E Heat Pump Water Heater

Innovative Dehumidifier IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

Innovative Dehumidifier Condensate Pump for IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

AlorAir Sentinel HD55 Blue 113 Pint Commercial-Residential Dehumidifier

Stiebel Eltron CON 200-2 Premium Wall-Mounted Convection Heater - 202029

Forbo Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc Laminate Flooring 11.81 In x 11.81 In Squares - Box

Innovative Dehumidifier IW25-5 On-Wall Dehumidifier

Hunter 44-Inch Cassius Matte Black Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Forbo Marmoleum Click Cinch Loc Laminate Flooring 35.4 In x 11.8 In Panels - Box

Saniflo Sanibest Pro Combo Macerator System

Innovative Dehumidifier Exterior Sleeve for IW25-5 In-Wall Dehumidifier

AlorAir HEPA 550 Air Scrubber – 3-Stage Filtration Negative Air Machine

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 24 Whole House 24 kW 5 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater

Continental Fan EXT External Mount Bathroom Fans

Stiebel Eltron CNS 300-2 Plus Wall-Mounted Convection Heaters - 202000

Stiebel Eltron Tempra 20 Whole House 20kW 4 GPM Electric Tankless Water Heater

Canarm LCL161A04CWGBK Matte Black LED Barn Light

Enel X JuiceBox Residential 48 Level 2 Hardwired

Stiebel Eltron CNS 100-2 Plus Wall-Mounted Convection Heaters - 201997

Craftmade Prost 120" Indoor | Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Shop the Money Saving

Tobias Roberts

Net Zero Home Beating the Heat in Houston

Tri-Generation Energy System

Other Energy Efficiency Features