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Las Vegas Energy Efficient Homes |
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Energy Efficient Homes in Las VegasThroughout the nation utility costs have risen dramatically in recent years and we are realizing that the monthly power and gas bills have become a significant part of our budget. When looking for a new home, an energy efficient building, although priced higher, might in fact result in a lower net monthly cost. There are even special types of mortgages that will cover the cost of upgrading the efficiency of a home. Trends in New ConstructionWith rising energy costs most Las Vegas builders are offering upgraded energy packages. Some builders even include the upgrades as standard. Of course this results in a slightly higher initial price but will probably result in a lower monthly operating cost. Some of the new trends are:
In addition to lower utility bills an energy efficient home is more comfortable and quiet. You will notice less drafts and increased air quality. The home and its contents will last longer and have a higher resale value. Like any other home improvement, there are costs and you will want to weigh these costs against the benefits. For example, spending $3,000 on a better performing air conditioner to save $10 a month on your power bill would probably not be a wise move. Adding solar screens may be the better choice. Energy ProgramsThere are a number of government programs affecting the housing market:
Windows
Most new homes these days windows consist of a frame made of vinyl or aluminum, with two sheets of glass (double-glazed) that are sometimes coated and separated with air or another gas such as argon. Double-glazed windows have a sealed space between two panes of glass to provide an added layer of insulation. Compared with a single pane, double-glazing can cut heat loss of the window nearly in half. A gas like argon will provide better thermal performance. Clear glass allows lots of heat to enter in the summer and heat to escape during the winter while low-E (low-emissivity) coatings add more insulation value to the window by blocking some heat from the sun. The materials used in the window frame can also affect energy efficiency. Vinyl is preferable to Aluminum but if you have chosen a vinyl frame be sure that it has welded corners for stability. The U-value is the measure of thermal performance. It describes a window's ability to conduct heat. The lower the U-factor the better the window. Look for double-glazing and a low-E coating. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a U-value of 0.4 or less. Insulation
Studs used in construction of the exterior walls are typically 2 x 4 inch but you will find 2 x 6s used in the more energy efficient homes. The larger studs allow more space for more insulation. Heating and Cooling
Gas is the preferred heating fuel and electricity is used for air-conditioning. Air-conditioning efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in Btu-British thermal units) provided by the unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in Watt-hours) during the same period. Currently 10-SEER is the standard but 12-SEER is becoming more common and will be the minimum standard by 2006. A programmable thermostat is the least costly component of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. By programming different temperatures while you are away at work and/or sleeping it can play a major role in your energy efficiency. Home Energy Rating System (HERS)A Home Energy Rating System is a program to rate the energy efficiency of a new or existing home and to estimate the annual energy costs associated with the home. A HERS inspector makes a physical examination of a home's hot water system, heating and cooling system and building envelope and generates a report listing possible energy improvements, and the amount of time it would take a homeowner to recover the cost of the improvements. Whether you are applying for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), Energy Improvement Loan, or are simply curious about the efficiency of your home, HERS inspectors are available. Costs run in the $250-450 range depending on the size of the home. Energy Inspectors are a local company available for HERS inspections. |
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