Client: Peters Family
Location: Greely, ON
Completion Date: September 2024
Services Provided: New Coach House Construction, Wood and Propane Heating Systems, Heat Recovery Ventilation, CO₂ Monitoring, Well and Septic System
This coach house construction in Greely took advantage of updated regulations allowing multi-dwelling properties. Designed to be a self-sufficient two-level home, it features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a mezzanine, and a combination of wood and propane heating systems. MNE Energy implemented a range of energy-efficient solutions, including heat recovery ventilation, CO₂ monitoring, a makeup air system for the wood stove, and a well and septic system for plumbing. Additionally, the layout incorporates provisions for a future carport, complete with dryer exhaust considerations.
Key challenges included integrating the wood heating system with propane central heating while ensuring safety and efficiency. The wood stove required a CO₂ monitoring system for safety and a makeup air system to maintain air balance and prevent negative pressure. Additionally, the coach house needed to operate independently from municipal services, relying on a well for water and a septic system for waste management. The strategic placement of the heat recovery ventilation system and dryer exhaust setup further added to the complexity of this project.
Our design and construction approach included comprehensive solutions for each challenge, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and adaptability for future needs. The following details outline the key components of the project:
1. Wood Heating System with CO₂ Monitoring and Makeup Air System:
The main floor features a high-efficiency wood stove, which was selected for its ability to provide supplemental heating throughout the open-concept living area. To ensure safety, MNE Energy incorporated a CO₂ monitoring system, which constantly monitors indoor CO₂ levels and alerts occupants if levels become unsafe. This system is connected to the home’s main alert panel, providing an immediate response and ensuring continuous monitoring even during power outages.
To address air balance and efficiency, a dedicated makeup air system was installed alongside the wood stove. This system provides fresh air directly to the stove, preventing it from drawing air from other parts of the home, which would otherwise create negative pressure and reduce indoor air quality. The makeup air system is equipped with an automatic damper that opens only when the wood stove is in operation, minimizing heat loss when the stove is not in use. This configuration helps maintain balanced air pressure within the home, enhancing both efficiency and safety.
2. Propane Central Heating System:
The coach house’s primary heating source is a high-efficiency propane furnace, designed to provide even heating across the two levels and the mezzanine. The propane system is zoned, allowing different areas of the home to be maintained at separate temperatures, which is particularly useful for managing heating on the mezzanine, where heat tends to rise. A programmable thermostat allows for optimized temperature control, while Wi-Fi connectivity gives the homeowner remote access to adjust settings as needed.
The furnace ductwork was designed with insulated piping to reduce heat loss, particularly important in areas such as the mezzanine where temperature control can be more challenging. The propane heating system complements the wood stove, providing an efficient and reliable primary heating source during cold weather.
3. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System:
To ensure high indoor air quality and energy efficiency, a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system was integrated into the coach house. The HRV system captures heat from outgoing air, using it to pre-warm incoming fresh air, reducing the load on the heating system. The HRV was strategically placed to optimize air circulation, with fresh air vents located in living areas and bedrooms, while exhaust points are situated in bathrooms and the kitchen to remove excess moisture and odors.
The HRV system operates on a variable-speed fan, allowing it to adjust based on indoor air quality needs and occupancy levels. Humidity sensors help maintain optimal air moisture levels, especially important in areas with wood heating.
4. Well and Septic System for Plumbing:
Since the coach house is located on a property without municipal water and sewer services, all plumbing operates off a well and septic system. MNE Energy worked with local contractors to design and install a well system that provides reliable water pressure and quality. The well pump is connected to a pressure tank, which allows the water supply to meet household demands efficiently. A water filtration system was also installed to ensure the water quality meets safety standards.
The septic system was designed to handle the household’s wastewater needs, taking into account the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The septic tank and drainage field were carefully placed to maximize efficiency while adhering to local environmental and regulatory requirements. The system is designed to be low-maintenance, with easy access for regular inspections and servicing.
5. Dryer Exhaust and Future Carport Ventilation:
The coach house layout includes a dryer exhaust vent that serves the current laundry setup and is positioned to allow for a future carport. This vent includes an insulated duct and backdraft damper to prevent outside air infiltration. The carport will have its own dedicated ventilation, which can be tied into the existing HRV system. This forward-looking design ensures that the coach house can adapt to the addition of the carport without extensive modifications, supporting MNE Energy’s commitment to adaptable and future-ready designs.
The completed coach house provides the Peters Family with a comfortable and energy-efficient living space. The combined wood and propane heating systems deliver reliable warmth and flexibility, and the HRV system maintains excellent indoor air quality, complemented by the makeup air system for the wood stove. The CO₂ monitoring system provides peace of mind by ensuring the safety of the wood heating system, and the well and septic systems function efficiently to meet the home’s water needs independently from municipal services.
Post-construction testing verified that the heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems are all operating efficiently, with the coach house achieving a high level of comfort and performance. The Peters Family has reported positive experiences with the heating flexibility and air quality, along with the assurance of safety provided by the CO₂ monitoring and makeup air system. Additionally, the provisions for a future carport demonstrate MNE Energy’s forward-thinking approach to home design, enabling adaptability for the family’s changing needs.