Energy Efficient New Homes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2007
Efficient New Homes Offer Savings on Heating and Cooling Costs,
Reports Local Home Builders Association
West Chester, PA-Visitors to beautifully decorated model homes often get caught up in the latest design and details that new construction offers. With fuel prices reaching an all time high, one of the best reasons to buy a new home lies in the cost savings and comfort they offer over existing homes, reports the Home Builders Association of Chester & Delaware Counties. New homes today may have bigger square footage, but they are more energy efficient than many smaller homes and even those built less than 10 years ago.
“Although an existing home may cost less initially, you have to consider hidden costs such as renovation needs and energy expenses,” commented Rick Sudall, president of the HBA. “A new home presents a better value in the short and long term.”
“Buyers shouldn’t assume that if they purchase a larger home than they own now it will cost more to heat and cool,” commented Steve Cohen, with Peirce Phelps, Inc., HVAC Division and a member of the HBA. “People are amazed how much money they save each month with the high level of energy efficient heating and cooling systems installed in new homes today. In fact, the industry upgrade to 13 SEER air conditioning alone can save the average homeowner 23% or more a year.” Also higher efficiency furnaces and heat pumps can increase savings on energy costs. Peirce Phelps, Inc. is a one of the largest independent distributors in the country of high quality heating and cooling products (Manufactured by Carrier and Bryant). Peirce-Phelps Inc. is located in Philadelphia with locations throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
According to Cohen, highly efficient heating equipment reduces energy bills now and long into the future. In addition to featuring more energy efficient products, new homes are better insulated and sealed creating a tight house construction. In fact, studies have shown that leakage accounts for up to 40 percent of a home’s heating and cooling costs.
Cohen also stressed the importance of Indoor Air Quality due to the tighter home construction practices. “There are many great products on the market that are on the leading edge of technology for controlling indoor air quality that filter, humidify and purify the air in your home,” he added.
The new building code requirements enacted last year ensure that new homes today are more energy efficient than ever. Many homebuilders also build to Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and often exceed the standards. Energy Star certified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes build to current energy codes. Energy Star homes also often include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient that standard homes. Since 2000, 750,000 homes have earned the Energy Star label.
Energy Star qualified homes can include a variety of “tried and true” energy efficient features that contribute to improved home quality as well as lower energy demand and reduce air pollution. Examples include effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products (lighting fixtures, fans and appliances) and third party verification. With the help of independent home energy raters, Energy Star builder partners can choose the most appropriate energy saving features for their homes.
As homebuyers and consumers become increasingly interested in green building, energy efficiency is a great place to begin, added Sudall. Energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. Less energy used generates less air pollution.
The Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties (HBA) is a professional trade organization comprised of more than 450 companies involved in every aspect of the new home construction process. The HBA advocates for public policy initiatives and sustainable building techniques that balance the need for strong economic growth and environmental protection. The HBA is dedicated to providing and protecting the American dream of home ownership for current and future generations.
CONTACT:
Mike McGee
(610) 692-7733
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