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Energy Efficient Homes Las Vegas |
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Vegas homes - energy efficient homes in Las VegasIn the United States utility costs have risen dramatically in recent years and homeowners are realizing that the monthly electric and gas bills have become a significant part of their budgets. When shopping for a new home, energy efficient homes, although priced higher, might in fact result in a lower net monthly payments. There are even special types of financing that will cover the cost of upgrading the efficiency of a house. New Construction TrendsGiven these rising energy costs most Las Vegas builders are offering upgraded energy packages. Some builders treat upgrades as standard. This will result in a slightly higher initial price but will undoubtedly result in a lower monthly operating cost. Some of these new trends include:
Besides lower utility bills an energy efficient home is more cozy and quiet. You will feel less drafts and notice increased air quality. Your home and its contents will last longer and have a better resale value. Like most other home improvement, there are costs involved and you will want to measure these costs against the benefits. For example, spending $3,000 on a higher performing air conditioner to save $10 a month on your power bill would not be a wise move, while installing solar screens may be the better choice. Energy ProgramsHere are some government programs affecting the housing market:
Efficient Windows
New homes these days use windows consist of a frame made of vinyl or aluminum, with 2 sheets of glass (double-glazed) that are sometimes coated and separated with air or argon gas. Double-glazed windows have a sealed space between two panes of glass providing an added layer of insulation. Compared to a single pane, double-glazing can cut heat loss of the window nearly in half. A gas like argon will provide better thermal pertection. Clear glass permits a lot of heat to enter in the summer months and heat to escape during the winter while low-E (low-emissivity) coatings add more insulation value to the window by reflecting some heat from the sun. The material used in the frame can also affect energy efficiency. Vinyl is preferable to aluminum but if you chose 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. Home Insulation
Studs used in construction of the exterior walls are typically 2 x 4 inch but you will find 2 x 6s in the most energy efficient homes. The larger studs create more space for more insulation. Heating and Cooling
Natural Gas is the preferred heating fuel and electricity is used for A/C. Air-conditioning unit efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The SEER is defined as the total cooling output (in Btu-British thermal units) produced by the A/C unit during its normal annual usage period divided by its total energy input (in Watt-hours) during that 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 home and to estimate the associated annual energy costs. A HERS inspector makes a physical examination of a home's hot water system, heating and cooling system and building envelope and creates a report outlining possible energy improvements, and the 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 based on square-footage. Energy Inspectors are a local company available for HERS inspections. |
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Brought to you Monday, May 12, 2008 by:Jim McEachern, REALTOR®
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represents a family of programs sponsored by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with the aim of reducing energy consumption and associated air pollution. Products bearing the Energy Star label must demonstarte an energy efficiency 30% above 1993 standards. 
In the Las Vegas Valley, power bills reach their peak during the months of July and August when air conditioning units are working their hardest. If you use solar energy the sun can be your friend, but in most cases the heat entering through window panes can be the most significant factor in your electrical bill. A shade tree can provide some protection but if you are moving into a newly constructed home there are few if any trees.
Insulation is measured in terms of resistance (the R-factr) to heat flow. A higher number is better. New home builders measure their homes in terms of the R-factor in walls and a separate r-factor for ceilings or roof. A high efficiency home will usually have R-19 walls and R-30 ceilings. These numbers are an indication of the type of insulating batts that were placed in the walls or attic. Batts are thick pink fiberglass rolls that have been cut to fit between wall studs. Alternately, cellulose is blown into the wall cavities and attic instead of using batts. Another method is the use of expanding polyurethane insulation. As for filling areas around plumbing and electrical outlets, cellulose and polyurethane are preferable.
There are two types of systems found in Las Vegas: package and split. The package unit contains both the air-conditioning and furnace all on one unit and is usually mounted on the roof. With this type of unit only the ductwork enters the home making it an ideal situation where space is at a premium. In a split system the furnace is located in the attic, garage or closet while the A/C sits outside on the ground.
