Green Homes: the future?

Will Green Homes mean more $$$$$$$$$$ ?

What might be a consideration when considering home renovations, is just how “green” one wants to make their home.  Today, people like granite countertops, hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances.  In the future, it may pay off if you have put your money into energy efficiency.  The EnerGuide system is summarized below:

An EnerGuide rating is a standard measure of a home's energy performance. The home's energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100.  A rating of "0" represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated and requires no purchased energy.

Type of House	EnerGuide for Houses Rating
Older house not upgraded	0 to 50
Upgraded older house	51 to 65
Energy-efficient upgraded older or typical new house	66 to 74
Energy-efficient new house	75 to 79
Highly energy-efficient new house	80 to 90
House that uses little or no purchased energy (an "Advanced House")	91 to 100

 

Based on its energy efficiency, a home will receive an EnerGuide rating and be recognized as a Power Smart home.

Ratings are calculated by Certified Energy Evaluators who analyze building plans, provide upgrade recommendations to improve energy efficiency, and complete a test to confirm the air tightness of the home once it has been built.

The final EnerGuide rating and Power Smart label on a home demonstrates to buyers that their home is more energy efficient than others. It also shows that the builder/developer has met the commitment to their customer to provide improved energy performance and comfort in the home.

New houses are generally more energy efficient.  Some more than others.  Consumers can be drawn to newer homes, not just because everything looks and feels modern, but because down the road the costs of heating and maintaining the home will be less.  This will likely become more of an issue down the road, particularly for those selling older homes with an EnerGuide rating of less than 50.  Think of yourself as a Buyer.  If you had a choice of a charming 2500 square foot home on a nice tree-lined street that was built in the 1930’s that had an EnerGuide rating of 46, and just around the corner there was a 2500 square foot home, brand new with a rating of 79.  How much more would you be willing to pay for the new home?  Or, thought of another way, how much less would you need to accept for your 1930’s home if it had not been substantially updated according to the EnerGuide rating system?

Building Inspections will reveal to a potential Buyer a ballpark assessment the home’s state of efficiency.  In the coming years more and more homes will be “rated” for all to see and the economic consequences of having an energy deficient home will be real.  As of this post (Jan. 16^th, 2011) there are ten homes listed in Greater Victoria with an EnerGuide rating proudly posted.  This may be a trend in the coming years, which might bring one to consider where to put investment money in their primary investment:  Real Estate. 

In future posts, I will report on some of the options home owners may want to consider, especially if their home was not build in the last ten or fifteen years.  "Stay posted."

 

Comments

[homes for sale omaha ne]

Greenhouses are able to improve air quality inside your home. This allows you and your family to live a healthier and more satisfying life.It is clear that green homes are homes for the future and for different reasons. In addition to saving money and improving air quality and provide a good peace of mind for many other reasons.

[Hardy Coufal]

Oh, going green nowadays is a big help to the household in the long run. Although saving from expenses is the primary benefit, we should also take note that it promotes good family lifestyle. And it saves Mother Earth, too!

[air duct cleaning service]

Whether it's a green or traditional house, it is important to have sufficient ventilation. Even the most amazing house would be useless if it was stuffy inside.