“Green” building trends are the wave of the future.

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.