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An energy efficiency home is one that has an annual energy usage level that has been demonstrated to meet or exceed a certain benchmark that is usually set in relation to an established energy code. Separate performance standards are established for newly constructed homes as well as retrofit applications.
Different energy efficient home programs are established in different climate zones by various utilities and governmental entities across the United States. These programs can be benchmark performance-based or predetermined prescriptive menu-driven. They may offer incentive rebates or federal funding options through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and a variety of federal agencies to the program participant. Recognizing the cash-flow benefit to the home-owner, some private mortgage lenders offer the energy efficient or “stretch” mortgage.
A home that is certified as meeting one of these standards will have an annual fuel usage that is lower than the norm for the region. This fuel savings results from the implementation of selected technologies into the design of the structure that are cost effective and appropriate for the climate. Renewable energy sources and sustainable building materials (green building products) are generally encouraged. Heating and cooling technologies such as geothermal (ground-coupled) heat pumps, wind generation, solar-thermal, solar-voltaic or biofuel systems are among the more popular in southwestern Montana. High efficiency appliances and building-envelop enhancements such as high insulation values (ceiling, wall, floor, door & window) caulking, duct sealing and compartmentalization are appropriate for our Montana homes.
A standard negotiated specifically for the states of Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington is the normal">ENERGY STAR® Homes built to this voluntary construction standard are at least 15% more energy efficient than Washington and Oregon state energy codes.
ENERGY STAR, a program supported by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is the national symbol for energy efficiency. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is working with PECI and other implementation contractors on this market-based effort to educate homebuilders on the new specification and encourage them to build to the ENERGY STAR standard by providing training and marketing assistance, technical support and financial incentives offered by utilities. The program will also work to educate potential single-family homebuyers about the benefits of these homes through cooperative marketing opportunities with builders.
ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest will have higher efficiency windows, lights, appliances, water heaters, insulation and heating and cooling equipment that will save on average 1,000 to 1,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year for gas-heated homes and 3,700 kWh per year for electrically heated homes. In addition to the energy savings, ENERGY STAR Home owners will enjoy other benefits such as increased comfort due to higher performance heating and cooling systems and water and gas savings from higher efficiency appliances.
For implementation details, Click Here.
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