Energy Efficiency and Green Building

Most homeowners want to reduce the monthly utility bills, but can't afford to replace all the items needed to get there. We all hear about Energy Star(R) and other terms that we should be looking for, but what does all this mean?

Well, for existing homes, the task can take a few years to obtain, but it is doable. Contact your electric provider and ask for an energy audit. This will give you a starting point to plan out your future modifications. It may be little things like caulking around the window frames, adding new weather stripping around doors, etc. Or it may be some major items like replacing old air conditioning systems, repairing ducting, maybe even replacing old windows. If you plan on remaining in a home for a while, any or all of these may be worth your cost as you will save some every month as you update.

For new home construction, there are many options as well. First, the Term Energy Star(R) is a copyright from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies items, processes, and equipment that meet it's requirements for energy efficiency. It is a broad definition, and it takes a combination of these to really make a difference.

A new home that is Energy Star(R) means that it must rate a score of 85 or less on the Home Energy Rating Scale (HERS). The HERS scale is rated at 0-100, the lower the better for energy use. Many builders achieve scores below 70 and this can make a difference in many hundreds of dollars saved every year.

So, what do you look for in a new home? Energy Star(R) is certainly the first step. Then we need to add Green Building starndards to add to both energy efficiency and environmental savings as well. Green Building is catching on across the country and we have a program here that monitors and rates our own builders. The Build San Antonio Green Program provides builders with standrds and assists in coordinating many of the different programs out there. From Energy Star(R) to new water saving programs, they help guide the buyer and the builder in the best energy and envirnmental savings programs.

Now, the other end - some builders have obtained Energy Star(R) certification for all of their homes, but only a select number are actually tested for scores. Although they must maintain the minimum standard, there may be no further incentive to do better. And there are builders that test every home for score and continuously strive to better their scores. So, don't be taken by advertising that states Energy Star(R). It is a start, but not the whole answer.

And, the Texas Veterans Loan program requires that a new home have a tested Energy Star(R)certificate to close on the loan. Don't let the builder make you pay for the test either! If they want to sell the house, they should pay for the test.

Bottom line - there are many programs out there, and like loans, there are many ways to get better deals as well. Call me anytime to discuss this new and grwoing segment of our industry. I am committed to maintaining a continuing education and will keep you informed as well as we find new programs that make a difference.