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Centreville home could make history

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CENTREVILLE When Michael and Jeannie Whichard began looking for homes in Maryland last December, they had no idea their journey would end with a story for the record books.

If construction of their Centreville home remains on schedule, the Whichards will move into Maryland's first free-standing net zero home by the end of January.

The home, which is currently under construction in the Three Creeks area of Centreville by Nexus Energy Homes, will generate as much energy as it uses, creating a net zero balance at year's end.

The finished product will be equipped with geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, super-insulated building shells and environmentally conscious, or "green," building materials.

A broadcast engineer by trade, Michael Whichard appreciates both the technical and practical aspects of his new construction.

"I'm all about economics and efficiency. I'm always trying to find ways to do it better, faster and for less money. It's my job," said Michael Whichard, who currently works with American Forces broadcasting out of Ft. Meade.

Source: The Star Democrat