Survey Shows Energy Efficient Homes Gaining Popularity

A survey conducted by Green Builder Media shows what we have seen first hand over the past couple of years, consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of owning an energy efficient home. The Consumer Green Preferences Survey was conducted in March with a sample size of 582 adults from around the country. The goal of the survey was to understand what people want when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency, purchasing patterns, etc.

The results are good news for builders who have implemented an energy efficiency program , whether it be ENERGY STAR® Certification or the HERS Index Program. Of those polled, 79.8%  said they would look for a green rating (i.e a HERS rating) when buying a new home, 85% of those people said that they believe an energy efficient home would sell faster.  Also, when asked what comes to mind when they think of green living, 4 out of 10 people ranked energy efficiency as the first thing.

For builders that haven't started building energy efficient homes yet, the survey results are a good indication of where consumers are headed.

* Image courtesy of Green Builder Media

Earn Rebates with Georgia Power's EarthCents® New Home Program

Thanks to the EarthCents® New Home Program from Georgia Power, Georgia builders and developers can  build energy efficient homes and earn money for doing so. This program is available for both single-family and multi-family homes and was designed as an incentive to build energy efficient properties.

Qualifying for the rebate is easy, simply implement a HERS program and work with an energy rater to ensure that the homes earn the required HERS Index score of 77 or less. The home must also be served by Georgia Power and have all electric heating and water systems.

• Single family homes-$600 per home. Plus an additional $250 rebate is available for homes with a heat pump water heater or a solar water heater.

• Multi-family properties- $150 per unit

Builders that implement a HERS program also receive valuable market differentiation by being able to market the home's HERS Index score. Plus, potential homebuyers are able to clearly see how their home performs and how much they could save on energy costs annually.

Builders can further boost their market differentiation by cost-effectively adding on a moisture prevention program to the HERS program. A moisture prevention program helps to reduce warranty costs, liability, and customer complaints by ensuring that the home is free of any mold or moisture issues throughout the construction process.  Homebuyers are given peace of mind knowing that their new home isn't hiding a costly mold or moisture problem.

With such a great rebate program and the valuable benefits of the HERS program,  there's no reason not to build energy efficient homes in Georgia.

Energy & Green Building Week

It's the final week of the International Code Council's (ICC) Building Safety Month and this week's theme is Energy & Green Building. Building green and using energy efficient materials, supplies, appliances, etc. helps save money on energy costs, while also helping the environment.

In recent years, energy efficient new homes have begun to catch on with homebuyers and builders across the country. Many builders are now electing to build ENERGY STAR® Certified new homes or to follow the HERS Program to satisfy this growing demand of energy conscious homebuyers. 

Energy efficient homes offer reduced utility costs, improved indoor air quality, increased thermal comfort, and higher resale value than a standard home.

If you aren't in the market for a new energy efficient home, here are some tips to improve the efficiency of your current home:

• Seal any cracks around windows and doors 
• Make sure ducts are properly connected and sealed
• Install more insulation in the walls and attic
• Upgrade your windows to ENERGY STAR® qualified windows
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Clean HVAC systems 
• Use energy efficient lighting (CFLs)
• Choose energy efficient appliances
• Upgrade the water heater
• Add solar panels

So, whether you are looking to buy a new home or not, you can take steps to reduce your energy costs and become more energy efficient today!