Energy Saving Ideas
 Energy Efficient HomesLooking for more energy efficiency in your home as well as lower energy bills? Energy Star®, Energy Rated Homes of Iowa and Zero Energy Homes use energy efficient technologies to help decrease homeowner's energy bills and consumption. Achieving a higher efficiency starts with construction, focusing on a tight duct system, insulation, high performance windows, lighting and using the most efficient heating and cooling systems. Energy Star® homes are those that have been constructed to run 30 percent more efficient than other homes of similar design and size constructed with the Model Energy Code. The Model Energy Code is a set of national standards that builders, designers and code officials use to build homes. Energy Star® homes provide lower costs and improved comfort while protecting the environment. As of September of 2007, over 70 builders are contracted to construct Energy Star® labeled homes in Iowa. The money saved on lower monthly utility bills of these homes is estimated at $400 annually, which is often greater than the extra monthly mortgage incurred by the addition of energy efficient materials. A second option for finding energy efficient improvements is the Energy Rated Homes of Iowa program (ERHI). ERHI provides home energy ratings by collecting data on a home's various heating and cooling systems. The rating also includes a list of possible improvements and an estimate on savings if the recommended improvements are made. The homeowner is encouraged to participate and ask the inspector questions, as client education is an important part of the program. It is possible to build a house that produces enough energy to support its occupant’s needs. A Zero Energy Home uses renewable energy like solar, efficient equipment and appliances, and energy-efficient building considerations. Each home can produce enough energy to meet the consumption needs of its occupants. A better-than-zero energy home is one in which the occupants don’t use all of the energy produced, potentially allowing the surplus to be sold back to the utility company. Larger families that require more energy out of their home may have an energy bill, but it’s usually less than $600 a year with a Zero Energy Home. More Information and Additional Resources: For a list of Certified Raters in Iowa contact Energy Rated Homes of Iowa at Additional information on home energy savings can be found in the Home Series: Home Heating and Cooling booklet available on the Iowa Energy Center’s Web site, www.energy.iastate.edu or by calling (515) 294-8819. The Iowa Energy Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Iowa's energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels. |
Top