In today’s uncertain economy, we all cringe with thevolatile highs and lows of the energy markets among others.As consumers, we see these roller coaster effects in ourutility bill and in our budgets. As a result, the demand formore fuel–efficient hybrid cars has increased. Why do wenot demand the same efficiency and performance fromthe largest investment most people make in their life – ourhome?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) challenged thehome building industry to build more than 200,000 highperformance homes by 2012 in its Builders Challengeprogram. Qualifying homes must score a 70 or less on theEnergy Smart Home E–Scale, which means they are at least30 percent more energy–efficient than a home built to theminimum building code standards.
The E–Scale allows homebuyers to compare the energyefficiencyof various homes. The typical home built fiveto 10 years ago would score around 130. A home built totoday’s code would score 100. An Energy Star Home wouldscore 85 or less. However the Builders Challenge qualifyinghomes score 70 or less. Each point reduction is equivalentto a 1 percent reduction in energy use.
An energy rater who performs a Home Energy RatingSystem (HERS) model for each home determines theE–Scale score, using a computer model. The data considersbuilding specifications, such as foam insulation that canincrease energy efficiency by 50 percent, windows and theheating and air conditioning system among others. Thereare also performance standards, such as air infiltration andacceptable duct leakage goals. Even the building designdetails, such as which direction wall and window areas face,are entered into a computer model.
The Builders Challenge requires testing and inspectionsthroughout construction to insure the end result will matchthe predicted goal. Two common tests are the duct blaster, to Kmeasure air conditioning duct leakage, and the blower doortests to measure infiltration in the home. Upon successfulcompletion, the rater will register the home with the DOE.The DOE then issues an E–Scale certificate showing the energyperformance of the home with comparisons to other typicalhomes.
Energy Smart homes cost less to heat and cool and areenvironmentally conscious. They are also more durable thanstandard homes.
Builders Challenge homes do cost more to build. But, thecost of homeownership offsets the initial money that is laid outto purchase the home. Over the life of a 30–year mortgage, theenergy savings on a Builders Challenge home more than coversthe increased listing price when compared with a standardhome built to code. The savings continue to increase as thecosts of energy increase. This does not even take into accountone’s increased comfort or the future value of a better builthome.
San Antonio enjoys low energy rates compared to other partsof the country thanks to CPS Energy. However, over the pastyear everyone has seen increased natural gas and electric billsdue to a fuel adjustment factor that has tripled since July 2007,and a rate increase that took effect in September.
When gasoline prices spiked this summer, SUVs and otherlow gas mileage cars fell out of favor with consumers. Who’sto say the same might not happen with homes that are notenergy–efficient?. Given that the 2009 International ResidentialCode includes significant energy–efficient saving requirementsthat are estimated to reduce energy use by 15 percent thisscenario is all too likely.
By 2012, and based on the Builders Challenge, the DOEexpects the energy reduction to be a standard 30 percent bythen. If your home is not energy efficient, what do you think itwill be worth in five or 10 years?
