This year has seen builders embracing “behind
the wall” systems that help them construct homes that are more energy
efficient, comfortable and temperature-controlled. For instance, integrated
systems that work below grade, above grade and behind the walls are better at protecting
a home from air and water infiltration, temperature fluctuations and energy
loss. Builders are also using energy-efficient high-capacity water heaters, spray
foam insulation, new roofing and siding materials, LED
and CFL lighting, and Energy Star appliances.
At
Virginia Homes, “Big Differences, Better Homes” isn’t just a tagline. It’s the attitude behind how we build our
homes. From the roof to the foundation,
and everywhere in between, Virginia Homes is committed to building greener,
healthier homes. We’ve taken the ‘green’ building movement to a whole new
level, with cutting edge technology – from air and water filtration to active
radon removal, formaldehyde free building products to low-VOC paint.
As
part of our “Live Green. Save Green.” program,
Virginia homes aren’t just
energy-efficient, they’re HERS rated. The
Home Energy Rating System (
HERS)
is the
nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy
performance. HERS identifies the rated home’s energy performance
compared to a home built only to code requirements.
A standard, code-built home has an index of
100. Each point below 100 represents a 1% improvement in overall energy
performance.
For example, a home with a HERS index of 70 is 30% more
efficient than a standard, code-built home. With a HERS score of 50, Virginia
homes perform better – around 50% better – than a standard new home! And that translates into serious savings when
it comes to your utility bills!
HERS scores:
Virginia Homes – 50 avg. HERS score
Energy Star home – 85 avg. HERS score
Standard new home built to code – 100 avg. HERS score
Existing home – 130 avg. HERS score
Estimated average annual utility bill:
Virginia Homes - $1,500/year
Energy Star home - $2,200/year
Standard new home - $2,700/year
Existing home - $5,000+/year
The
HERS Index was developed by
RESNET, and is
the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured.
RESNET, the Residential Energy
Services Network, was founded in 1995 as an independent, non-profit
organization to help homeowners reduce the cost of their utility bills by
making their homes more energy efficient.
For more information about Virginia Homes’ “Live Green. Save
Green.” program, click
here!
Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years. Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.
