| Any successful move towards reducing our | | | | rated appliances, double or triple pane windows, |
| consumption of fossil fuels as a nation needs to | | | | structural improvements and alternative energy |
| address residential energy consumption. According to | | | | sources. |
| the latest U.S. Department of Energy statistics 21% of | | | | With rising energy costs and current tax incentives |
| the energy consumed by the US is used for private | | | | home owners are able to break even on their |
| living quarters. Thankfully achieving sustainable levels of | | | | investment much sooner. The improvements provide |
| residential energy consumption is within reach. | | | | more immediate results in property values * and |
| Reducing consumption begins with the thoughtful | | | | cleaner living. In addition, there is an energy efficient |
| analysis of existing homes, green building construction | | | | mortgage program offered by the FHA that allows |
| of new homes, implementation of energy saving | | | | FHA insured buyers (or refinancers) the ability to add |
| techniques and conscientious consumerism. | | | | the cost of some energy efficient improvements to |
| Analysis of the Home | | | | their mortgage without increasing the down payment. |
| A home analysis identifies the areas where energy is | | | | (Visit the FHA website for more information on EEM's) |
| escaping. Common areas of leakage are windows, | | | | Conscientious Consumerism |
| doors, improperly insulated walls and attics. Sealing | | | | Home energy improvements require investments in |
| leakage areas creates a more energy efficient home. | | | | both time and money. The idea is to create a sealed |
| Energy efficiency testing should be done by a certified | | | | or "air tight" system with good air quality. The seal is |
| energy consultant with specialized equipment and | | | | created through properly fitted doors and windows, |
| expertise. Consultants test invisible areas of concern | | | | high quality insulation and proper air exchange. The |
| (between walls) using infrared thermal imaging or | | | | selection of consumer products (appliances, building |
| thermography. This non destructive test will show | | | | materials, décor etc.) needs to take the entire |
| where there are gaps in insulation, thermal defects or | | | | system into account. Off gassing levels need to |
| air leaks and electrical system defects which are | | | | considered. |
| allowing energy to be lost. Consultants also perform | | | | Having these structural systems in place will maximize |
| blower door testing and duct blasting to determine the | | | | the effectiveness of alternative sources of energy |
| integrity and both the structure and the systems | | | | (solar, wind, geothermal). The alternative systems will |
| (HVAC, etc.). Testing for (and providing for removal of) | | | | also enjoy a longer lifespan as they are not being |
| combustion byproducts helps ensure the air quality and | | | | forced to produce wasted energy. |
| the safety of the structure. | | | | In Summary |
| The homeowner is provided with a comprehensive list | | | | Home energy efficiency improvements will not only |
| of energy saving techniques. Budgetary concerns are | | | | protect you from ever increasing energy costs but |
| balanced with suggested improvements and their | | | | also help reduce our use of fossil fuels as a nation - all |
| respective ROI (return on investment). A strategic plan | | | | while helping save the environment. |
| can then be put in place. | | | | *Long-term studies published in the Appraisal Journal |
| Energy Saving Techniques | | | | indicate that energy efficiency improvements will |
| Energy saving techniques include exchanging | | | | increase a property's value by a 20-to-1 ratio. Meaning |
| incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent (this will link to | | | | that for every $1,000/yr you can save in energy bills |
| mercury information) or LED bulbs, increasing or adding | | | | your homes value will increase by $20,000. |
| insulation where needed, use of ENERGY STAR | | | | |