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Dan Sandoval of Republic Home Builders explains the energy-saving features in a new King George home.
The home looks conventional from the outside, Energy Star kitchen appliances are standard and will contribute to the home's energy cost savings. |
BY RICHARD AMRHINE
A home could be the most energy-efficient structure on the planet, but if you can't afford the initial cost, it doesn't do you or the planet much good.
As true energy-efficient design has wiggled its way into the mainstream marketplace, builders and real estate agents have pitched the long-term savings that would offset the somewhat higher purchase price of such a home.
Now, there is evidence that the times are changing.
Republic Home Builders, a regional builder based in Spotsylvania, has just completed a version of its Alexandria model in King George County that is Energy Star-certified and EarthCraft-verified. It has undergone the same rigorous testing that any home constructed under the guidelines of those programs would.
The ranch-style home is on Charleston Street in Oakland Park subdivision. It has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a full walkout basement and 2,256 square feet of living space. It is under contract for $174,584.
So not only are there long-term energy cost savings in store, a 30-year mortgage will offer immediate and long-term value for a house of this size.
Dan Sandoval, owner of Republic Home Builders, said it's important for buyers to know that they can get a substantial, energy-efficient home for what a conventional home might cost.
"We build entry-level and step-up homes, and every one from now on is going to meet or exceed the guidelines," he said. "We are 100 percent committed to that."
ENERGY EXPERTISE
Also on hand for a tour of the home earlier this week was Dan Dukes of Green Source Raters. He has been involved with many home construction projects in the region that were conceived from the beginning to meet Energy Star and EarthCraft guidelines.
"People should be shopping for homes like they shop for appliances. If they're buying a refrigerator they know to look for the familiar blue Energy Star symbol," he said. "They should do the same thing when they're buying a house."
Dukes said that as he and Sandoval worked on this house, they knew from the features, materials and methods being used that the house would meet certification requirements. They just didn't know how far it would exceed them. Turns out the house exceeded the guidelines in some cases by as much as 30 percent.
"You're getting this in a conventional, stick-built home," said Dukes. "Why wouldn't you do this?"
Sandoval pointed out that the tightness of the home's construction "envelope" requires that a source of outdoor air be provided. Because of that outdoor air source, plus the use of low-VOC paints and adhesives, and the lack of carpeting in this house, it's indoor air quality rates very high.
But not only is the home sealed tight, the ductwork that delivers warmed and cooled air is sealed as well, using a mastic compound that is brushed on at every joint.
"There is not one piece of [duct] tape anywhere," Sandoval said.
At the heart of the system that will provide heating and cooling is a 14-SEER heat pump with a variable-speed fan, which circulates the air more efficiently than a single- or dual-speed fan.
Dukes said that geothermal systems are excellent energy savers, this house will enjoy high efficiency with a conventional heat pump.
Another key player in the pursuit of energy conservation is the blown-in cellulose insulation, which completely fills the cavities between the inner and outer walls. But before the cellulose is blown in, insulating foam is sprayed along the crevices where framing meets exterior sheathing.
"Fiberglass pushed into place will always have gaps," said Sandoval, and fiberglass by its nature allows air infiltration where cellulose doesn't.
REAL-LIFE SAVINGS
Though Dukes acknowledges that real-world living situations can't match the conditions under which the home testing is conducted, homeowner savings are certain to be substantial.
The testing showed that this house would use 53 percent less energy for cooling each year, and 38 percent less for heating than a code-built house. The use of Energy Star-certified appliances, which by now Dukes said should be standard in all new homes, reduce annual energy consumption by another 6.5 percent.
The result is a monthly energy cost--on paper--of $115. Even if actual costs exceed that somewhat, the cost for a home of this size still is indeed remarkable.
It's important to note, Dukes said, that lowering energy use has a direct impact on emissions generated by the power plants that supply energy to the house. Such emissions generated by this house compared to a code-built house are reduced by more than 20 percent each across the board for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and and nitrous oxide.
Dukes added that the only way the deal could be better for the homeowner is if the house were situated in Spotsylvania County, where it would qualify for a 5-year property tax break that could save the owner thousands of dollars.
"It's the best break in Virginia and even on the East Coast," he said, adding that other counties should consider creating such a green incentive.
Richard Amrhine: 540/374-5406
Email: ramrhine@freelancestar.com
| Here are the key subcontractors who worked on the project and in some cases followed new procedures in building the energy-efficient house:
Brandonbilt Foundations, Stafford Certified Plumbing, Spotsylvania Eastcoast Insulators, Spotsylvania OHM Electric, Stafford ICE Heating & Cooling, Fredericksburg Builders First Source, Culpeper (windows and doors) Ferguson Electric, Spotsylvania (appliances and lighting) Mid-South Building Supply, Spotsylvania (cabinetry)
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