It could be a cozy winter for homeowners who bought a house in the last few years. Instead of having to ask for or upgrade to energy-efficient features that make spaces comfortable, recent buyers found many of those elements came as standard equipment.
“The changes to the energy codes over the last few years really get you so much more energy-efficiency than there used to be,” said Jim Chapman, whose company, Jim Chapman Communities and Fine Homes, builds in the active-adult market. “So whether customers request it or not, there are so many more things builders are doing now they didn’t do 10 years ago that make houses more efficient.”
Chapman points out specific requirements such as double-pane, Low-E windows that repel heat and keep cooled or warmed air in, thicker plywood on roof rafters and more insulation throughout.
“For instance, we now have to caulk and use an expanding foam around studs, framing and any holes where electrical lines are run so air doesn’t penetrate,” said Chapman. “About the only thing I do get a number of requests for is the tankless hot water heater, but even with that, a lot of builders are starting to use them anyway.”
Todd Jones, division president of Lennar-Georgia, said more builders are taking energy efficiency seriously because buyers demand it.
“It’s always at the front of people’s minds,” he said. “I think all builders do it now; it just may be on different levels.”
Lennar’s new homes incorporate TechShield® Radiant Barrier Sheathing, a roofing system that keeps heat out of attics and helps prolong the life of roof shingles. The company also uses energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioning units, Low-E windows, programmable thermostats, technology systems to control lights and a whole-house wrap that keep interiors comfortable and energy costs low.
“We’ve even heard that mortgage companies are looking at [energy costs] and taking that into consideration,” said Jones. “It makes sense: If you’re not paying as much out of pocket for utilities, you have more money to spend on a house. As the industry moves more toward a ‘smart house’ environment, you’ll see these types of things become a greater part of the home.”
The 100 houses at Creekside at Old Towne in Conyers are going up according to EarthCraft specifications that require energy-efficient building approaches. Developer Toby Logel said meeting those requirements wasn’t a challenge, since it’s his company policy to include features that create efficient homes.
“The biggest thing we’re doing is sealing houses up as tight as possible,” he said. “We even have our AC and mechanical systems in conditioned spaces, which means you’re not blowing hot air out of a cold space or cold air from a hot one. We use spray foam insulation to control humidity and air quality. I love bringing people to the model to show them that even with the thermostat set at 75 degrees, it’s very comfortable, and there’s low humidity.”
Ross Mundy, owner of New Homes by Design, said building with cost-saving, energy-efficient materials and features allows him to tell prospective buyers up front what their utility costs will be. At Sunset Park in Rex, he’s even guaranteeing that the costs won’t exceed his prediction.
“We can figure out the cost for the house and tell people what the bills will be with normal use,” he said. “It’s a way to make energy savings meaningful. I think everyone talks about energy efficiency, but what does that mean in dollars and cents? You know what your mortgage, tax and insurance will be for two years; I can tell you what the energy bills will be.”
No matter how old a house is, energy checkups can head off problems that translate to higher utility bills. Georgia Power offers two programs that address energy usage and cost. The first is EarthCents, a program that began in the mid-2000s to raise awareness about energy efficiency among buyers, builders and homeowners. It also ranks houses on the Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS), a nationally-accredited program.
“Along with location and amenities, consumers are starting to ask about HERS ratings,” said Tim Carter, Georgia Power’s EarthCents manager. “They’re asking more about energy costs and becoming more sensitive to energy usage. We require a HERS home to be 15 percent more efficient than a standard home, and that’s now part of the equation buyers consider when they look at a new home.”
To help homeowners identify and correct energy problems, Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program offers free energy audits, as well as more thorough diagnostic evaluations that can cost between $400 and $600, depending on a home’s size. Homeowners can get a partial rebate for the cost if they make significant energy upgrades.
“We have rebates for 20, 25 and 30 percent [energy use] reduction,” explained program manager Charlie Moon. “We start by looking at how much energy the home uses and where it’s being wasted and come up with a list of improvements. After those improvements are made, the assessor runs the same tests again to see what level of reduction’s been reached.”
The most common problems come with air leakage, said Moon. “We find holes in the house that aren’t filled, or insulation that’s not sufficient, normally in the attic. We also find ductwork hasn’t been sealed up, and a lot of air is leaking out.”
Homeowners can also cut energy costs by making simple changes on their own, said Laura Capps, director of residential green building services for Southface, an Atlanta nonprofit that promotes sustainable construction.
“Air sealing is the first thing homeowners can do on their own, but it’s not always doors and windows that are the problem,” she said. “Anywhere you see light, seal it up. Typically it’s a space that’s been framed for plumbing, wiring and equipment where we find these big holes. Another place is at the top of the walls where drywall hits the ceiling or at the bottom where it hits the floor. A lot of leaks come from that attic or crawlspace.”
Another area that is often overlooked is the ductwork, or as Capps describes it, “that shiny metal stuff in the crawlspace or attic. It usually has a lot of leaks that can be taped up to make a huge difference in energy performance.”
Other changes might include replacing an outdated HVAC system with an Energy Star-rated furnace or air conditioner and installing low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets. But some changes need not be that dramatic.
“Just setting the water heater to the right temperature – around 120 degrees - has a big impact,” said Capps. “LED lights can make a difference, too. During construction, you can always do a lot with the design, but it’s not hard to have an impact in an existing home by making simple changes.”
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