Energy Saving Homes

[Mike Boyd]

We have a tract of "green" homes nearby. I think I will mosey over there this weekend and ask if they are having any problems with appraisals. There was a press release a month or so ago wherein the builder says it cost +-$40,000 more to build these than a standard home. They have solar electric generating systems. From the photos in the newspaper, they are NOT attractive homes. Just a basic 2 story box.

 

[Workbox]

I know if you build a 3,800 SF house with simple energy techniques your highest light bill in peak of summer is about $320. This is with 9 windows facing south and kids leaving the lights on. You do not need some of the fancy stuff, just understand how some basic natural principles. Or in other words, let nature heat and cool your home.

 

[Workbox]

I did make me curious about building an energy-wise home with a guarantee on energy bills though,

I do not like the meter being separate, does that mean two bills? I had one builder that they guarantee it not to go over $150. Is it fixed?

 

[RustNeverSleeps]

Ray, be VERY careful of "energy efficient new construction" and "green new construction". "Green" homes are typically LEED certified. "Energy efficient" homes are tract-labeled because the builder used a few Pella insulated windows, some recycled green insulation and installed a "high-efficiency" heater. They probably wouldn't meet 20% of the criterion to become LEED certified.

I did a side by side comparison of the features versus a competing builder I was using and while there were some noticeable energy and green differences it wasn't earth shattering. ie, foam insulation, 14 seer HVAC, low e double pane windows, rain water collection barrel for landscaping, wired for future solar panels, low volatile organic compound paint, tile, carpet, etc.

The overall quality was good, stone, granite, wood floors, stainless, nice cabs. Seemed pretty solid and competitively priced in its market.

I guess you could call it "Green Light" and maybe has some feel good to it.

 

[Mike Boyd]

I know if you build a 3,800 SF house with simple energy techniques your highest light bill in peak of summer is about $320. This is with 9 windows facing south and kids leaving the lights on. You do not need some of the fancy stuff, just understand how some basic natural principles. Or in other words, let nature heat and cool your home.

I appraised a house about 2 years ago similar to your description. They had a solar electric generating system. He showed me his last electric bill......$28 for a month. Previously, he said it was running about $325.

By the way, there is only 1 meter

 

[Doug in NC]

Although the costs associated with energy efficiency are higher right now, I believe they will come down with volume use just like everything else that is new technology. It is also a fact that our energy costs are going to continue to rise for at least the next 5-10 years, so our energy problems aren't going away anytime soon. I heard today that China is adding 1,000 cars to the streets EVERY DAY!

From what I've learned after hearing Energy Star's national director speak, a large part of energy savings could come from simply better enforcement of the current building codes and adherence to insulation manufacturers' instructions. Small gaps in insulation spread over a 2,000 sf house can add up to a lot of heat and cooling loss.

One interesting fact I learned is in rooms over garages. Insulation has to be up against the surface that it is insulating or it doesn't do its job. Notice how these rooms are often the hottest in the house (during the Summer months)? That's because the insulation is falling away from the floor due to gravity. If that insulation was installed properly, their would be much less energy loss in that part of the house. The heat from the garage is flowing right up into the house.

Another factor Energy Star considers is comfort factor. I've often wondered about this myself. I can feel how humidity affects comfort. If humidity can be controlled better, it could be manipulated to make us feel warmer or cooler even though the actual temperature hasn't changed. Ever found that riding in your car you feel like you are going to freeze with the temp set at 77, while on other more humid days you feel a need to knock it down to 73 to get the temp to a comfortable level?

 

[Workbox]

Doug, builders are now getting the factor of the humidity in the house and why folks keep lowering the temp. There are 2-stage systems now that start off slow to take out the humidity, then before they turn off, ramp up to dump the rest of the cool air.