You cannot possibly distill a home's energy rating into a single number for a buyer because unless you can educate everyone to a level that they will truly understand what that rating means and, most importantly, what it does not mean, it would be a total waste of time. Energy bills aren't just about the building, but about the occupants and how much they know about controlling their usage. Minimizing energy bills has to be a commitment that people make to changing wasteful habits and choices. It has to become a personal responsibility for everyone living in the home. Giving a residence a number will mean many people don't take responsibility for their choices. If you are buying a home, make sure you get a thorough inspection and ask the inspector lots of questions. Ask the sellers for copies of their energy bills and/or permission to get a printout from their energy provider(s). Once in a home, learn the basics of energy conservation in daily living.
I won't even start in on the prohibitive cost of setting up a system to rate every home in the US. It would be a bureaucratic nightmare, another layer of regulation generating cost without any income.
Lindaof CA2:08PM May 07, 2010
Why not consider a retractable awning or solar screen? You can position them to protect your furnishings AND cut back on solar heat gain. Along with the benefit of reducing your interior costs, retractable and stationary awnings as well as solar screens add lasting value to your home. Awnings extend your home beyond its walls, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more in the summer, by creating a shaded area to enjoy. Check out www.Durasol.com to find a local dealer who can proovide you with a free estimate on a great Durasol shading product!
Marketingof NY1:30PM May 07, 2010
Some of you people and your comments are really stupid Heated drive yes they are real but not energy efficient. As for heat floors by piping water under the floor is nice but not the best way to reduce energy cost. Also Tankless how water saves money in the short run but not over 7 years or the tanks life check out cost to install and up front cost on all items vs other cost To be efficient you need to save money over the life of the product. Just saying things save money does not make them green What a new concept like save the whales lets all go green when you really are doing nothing Solar panets are nice but if my electric bill is $60.00 a month they are not productive and They may be green. If you don't count getting rid of the batteries in the end. Many power compaines will not buy excessive electric back or the buy it back at a fraction of the cahge to you Think before you buy weigh all options
Andyof NV12:27PM May 06, 2010
These are great and I've got one to add that may seem counterintuitive to the budget-conscious homeowner: solar panels! Yes indeed, it used to be expensive but in many areas you can now lease solar panels, meaning they're installed for free (though some installers charge $1000 or $2000 up front) and then you pay monthly the same or less than what you have been paying for electricity. The lease is fixed for 10-18 years so you're insulated against utility price hikes during that period (which, if you live where I do in CA is no small thing)! Sounds too good to be true but I've done it on my home and on a rental property I own and it totally rocks. Now, my whole neighborhood is catching on and becoming a little solar oasis.
Check out Sungevity.com and www.solarpowerrocks.com to find a company that offers a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) available in your area. Also, check to see if you live in a PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) district at http://www.renewfund.com/node/159. Last but not least, if you live in NJ, you can actually earn some serious $ selling back your solar--see http://solarpowerrocks.com/new-jersey/im-moving-to-new-jersey-just-to-buy-homes-and-put-solar-on-them-seriously/).
Erica Davidof CA3:27PM March 31, 2010
These are great and I've got one to add that may seem counterintuitive to the budget-conscious homeowner: solar panels! Yes indeed, it used to be expensive but in many areas you can now lease solar panels, meaning they're installed for free (though some installers charge $1000 or $2000 up front) and then you pay monthly the same or less than what you have been paying for electricity. The lease is fixed for 10-18 years so you're insulated against utility price hikes during that period (which, if you live where I do in CA is no small thing)! Sounds too good to be true but I've done it on my home and on a rental property I own and it totally rocks. Now, my whole neighborhood is catching on and becoming a little solar oasis.
Check out Sungevity.com and www.solarpowerrocks.com to find a company that offers a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) available in your area. Also, check to see if you live in a PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) district at http://www.renewfund.com/node/159. Last but not least, if you live in NJ, you can actually earn some serious $ selling back your solar--see http://solarpowerrocks.com/new-jersey/im-moving-to-new-jersey-just-to-buy-homes-and-put-solar-on-them-seriously/).
Erica Davidof CA3:25PM March 31, 2010
Brian...
*tankless water heaters
Depends on the the situation. On demand water heaters save energy but cost more and typically can't supply enough hot water to deal with a shower and dishwasher at the same time.
*triple paned gas filled windows
Yes, they're good, but you won't be saving money by installing them. If you're installing a window/glass door anyway then it's a good option to go with.
*Electric versus gas, which is better if you have the oppportunity to choose in light of the increasing occurences of power outages
Gas is almost always cheaper. Electric appliances are more efficient, but that doesn't take into consideration losses in generation and delivery process.
*Radiator heat versus forced air heat
Forced air is cheaper. Radiator is more efficient. But if you're considering installing radiator heat, I would recommend spending a little bit more for radiant heat.
*Heated wood floors
More expensive but more efficient and much more comfortable.
I have not seen this, but I hear they are out there-
*heated driveways that will never freeze or become icey?!?
Yes, they are out there but they aren't exactly environmentally conscious.
*some solar panels on the roof even if you do not obtain all your energy from this source
With the current federal and state tax credits the payback period for inastalling solar has dropped to the 10 year range.
To learn more: http://www.energymetricsne.com
Colinof MA9:51AM February 16, 2010
Heating and cooling equipment is sized to maintain the temperature in the home not to overcome a 15 degree setback.
Brianof MN4:36PM February 13, 2010
Great article.
Any thoughts on the benefits or lack thereof regarding the following:
*tankless water heaters
*triple paned gas filled windows
*Electric versus gas, which is better if you have the oppportunity to choose in light of the increasing occurences of power outages
*Radiator heat versus forced air heat
*Heated wood floors
I have not seen this, but I hear they are out there-
*heated driveways that will never freeze or become icey?!?
*some solar panels on the roof even if you do not obtain all your energy from this source
Yeyeof DC1:51PM February 13, 2010
We should all be calling on our legislators to adopt building energy rating policies that include mandatory disclosure of a home's energy performance to potential buyers.
Energy performance disclosure gives consumers the tools to make informed choices and protect themselves against poor buildings and building components, higher-than-anticipated energy bills, discomfort, or unplanned renovation needs.
Reader Comments
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Linda of CA 2:08PM May 07, 2010
Marketing of NY 1:30PM May 07, 2010
Andy of NV 12:27PM May 06, 2010
Erica David of CA 3:27PM March 31, 2010
Erica David of CA 3:25PM March 31, 2010
Colin of MA 9:51AM February 16, 2010
Brian of MN 4:36PM February 13, 2010
Yeye of DC 1:51PM February 13, 2010
Carrie of MA 11:58AM February 11, 2010