Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

Energy efficiency continues to be a topic that more and more home buyers are discussing.  The way new homes are being built and insulated in order to achieve energy efficiency is an important topic.  In my opinion, when considering a purchase,  energy efficiency may be the #1 reason to consider building a new home. This is a major trend in housing that is generating momentum on a variety of levels.  We talk about “sealing the envelope” and a better insulated home with higher R-values.  Those are relatively simple concepts. Just as important is the HVAC component of this converstation. Its the engine of the car, if you will allow the analogy.

What I’m sharing comes from working with Piedmont Realty and Construction, because that’s where a lot of my knowledge on this topic originates. I have had a lot of conversations with Drew Holzwarth and his contractors on this topic.  The #1 point I would make for prospective purchasers is that you want to make sure you get a home that has the right size system for the space. If you don’t, the rest won’t matter.  Piedmont accomplishes this by having their HVAC contractor perform a “j-calc” for every home they build.  Its very common for builders to take the “one size fits all” approach to HVAC.  That is, each time they build “Model A” they have the HVAC contractor install the same system, regardless of modifications to the plan.  Whenever you change a plan size or shape or even move/add/delete windows you have impacted heating and cooling considersations. Windows impact natural heat transfer. All this needs to be considered in the sizing of the system.  I’m not sure why more builders don’t do this other than its extra work and costs money.

There’s a lot to learn on this topic. I found this handy resource on system sizing, SEER, airflow, ductwork and how it all relates to efficiency. Check it out here.

If you are considering a new purchase, ask the right questions. Make sure you are working with a builder that has a philosophy and team that is committed to building a better home.  Piedmont Realty and Construction does and that’s why I live in one of their homes.

In the past few years I have become much more interested in spending less on energy in my life. I don’t think this is entirely caused by the recession, but that is definitely a consideration. I first got interested when I was exposed to new building practices as they pertained to the concept of Earth-craft and building tighter homes. At the time, the lower bills were not as exciting to me as the increased comfort level of the home. 

Needing to replace a vehicle recently, the process led me to clean diesel technology and I purchased a VW Jetta Sportswagen TDI. My wife is the primary driver but I get to drive it from time to time. We are getting well over 40 MPG in this vehicle. Its amazing and makes me want to get rid of our paltry 20 MPG vehicle as soon as possible. The range on a tank of gas is over 600 miles. Truly amazing.

In residential housing, I think energy efficiency is gaining momentum and is going to move up the list of “must haves” for home buyers rapidly. This is not just a new home conversation. If you are investing in the purchase of a new home, by all means, make sure you understand how it is built as well as the quality of the HVAC. They go hand in hand. But this conversation is not just about new homes. I’ve started to think improving a home’s energy efficiency may be a better investment than many cosmetic upgrades. I imagine a time in the not to distant future when energy audit contingencies are as common as home inspection contingencies.

There is a new resource in the area for homeowners interested in energy audits and efficiency upgrades. Check out the Local Energy Alliance Program.

I hope to share more on the nuts and bolts of the way many builders are achieving energy efficiency these days, but if you are interested in this conversation now, feel free to contact me.