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From Home Place - 2004 - Cindy Hodnett
Energy Star homes offer substantial energy saving features
Last week, we introduced the concept of "performance building" in residential construction and outlined the special features one local builder is now including to reduce the risk of mold in his new homes. This week, we're going to look at the additional energy-saving features offered by Don Hamrick of Homes by Hamrick and explain how each contributes to a reduction in the amount of energy required for a new home.
According to Hamrick and his associates, homes qualifying for Energy Star's 5-star rating use 30 percent less energy than homes built to the 1993 Model Energy Code. This new rating allowed Americans to cut their energy bills by more than $7 billion in 2003, which saves enough energy to power 15 million homes.
Hamrick takes these figures seriously - so seriously that he is guaranteeing the heating and cooling costs for his new 2,450 square- foot, mold-resistant home will not exceed $49 per month. In fact, Hamrick is offering refunds for any amount in excess of his stated prediction - a gesture that leaves many folks wondering what is different about his homes.
Here is an overview of the special features that translate into big energy savings for many home buyers:
Solar-smart windows
Windows commonly comprise 10 percent to 30 percent of a home's exterior wall area and account for 25 percent to 50 percent of heating and cooling needs. Solar-smart windows - such as double paned, low-E2 have multiple layers of microscopic coatings to filter the sun's energy. They are 50 percent better at reducing heat loss and less susceptible to condensation, providing superior comfort year round. The special glass also blocks damaging UV rays.
Tight construction
One of the most important things in a home that adversely affects comfort, heating and cooling bills is air leakage. When the house is finished, the air leakage is tested with a space-age device called a blower door.
Airtight ducts
Leaky air-conditioning ducts are one of a home's largest energy wasters, with estimates indicating that the average residential duct system leaks as much as 30 percent. With proper sealing, duct leakage can be reduced to less than 5 percent. Testing is the only method which verifies that ducts are substantially airtight.
Right size heating and cooling equipment
With tight construction, airtight ducts, improved insulation and high-performance windows, it is possible to right-size (in other words, decrease the size of) the home's heating and cooling equipment. Smaller equipment uses less energy and is less expensive to install.
Highly efficient 13-SEER air conditioner
High efficiency heating and cooling equipment costs more money. However, it is well worth the investment because it will cut your energy costs by more than 30 percent.
European-style tankless water heater
A tankless water heater delivers a never-ending supply of hot water when you need it for as long as you need it. While these water heaters cost up to $400-$500 more, they will save much more than that because they are 87 percent energy-efficient compared to 54 percent for most other water heaters.
Low-toxicity termite protection
Borate is a naturally occurring substance found in soil, fruits and vegetables; it is a key ingredient in a low-toxicity termite and pest treatment. It has virtually no odor, no harsh chemicals, and is nontoxic to people and animals. This makes it a healthier alternative to conventional soil treatment.
Self-cleaning UV air purifier
Air filters function by removing offensive contamination from the air. A self-cleaning UV Filter destroys airborne smoke, toxins, germs and collects dust. It destroys it in the process. The collection of grime in the filter is broken down, cleaning the filter and the air of dust. Therefore, the filter never has to be changed.
The filter uses two powerful Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) lamps to kill germs circulating in indoor air, destroy microbes in "nesting areas," and prevent germs from going airborne. UVGI may be the final defense against those diseases that have developed a resistance to drugs.
Fresh-air ventilation system
Bringing in fresh, uncontaminated air is essential to the durability of the home and the health and safety of the homeowners. Providing efficient air delivery and filtration systems also help to dilute pollutants, manage moisture, provide makeup air for appliances and ensure proper house pressures.
Today, the mortgage industry recognizes that a buyer finds it easier to make a mortgage payment if his utility bill is reasonable. Consequently, many lenders are now offering innovative financing products, allowing energy savings from an energy-efficient home to increase the home buying power of consumers.
For more information on an Energy Star home, contact Danny Gough at Energy Solutions, (336) 463-2005 or Sandee Hamrick, Coldwell Banker Triad, (336) 996-8503. To view one of Hamrick's homes, visit www.homesbyhamrick.com.
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