WHY NOT AN ENERGY STAR HOME?

I just don't get it. What could be an easier decision than "if I can save $400-$500 per year today on my home energy bill" and "I know that future energy costs are going up" and it costs me less that $2,000 up front, why would I not want an Energy Star home?

We just spent the weekend at F&M at the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County's (BIA) Spring Home Show. There were lots of builders and tradesmen there, showing houses, kitchens, HVAC systems, central vacs, patio materials, window blinds, financing, additions, windows, Invisible Fence dogs fences, landscaping, custom stained glass, doors, appliances, flooring, literally everything and anything for your home. But guess who was the only Energy Star builder. There were several displays that talked about "green". And that was great. Green heating systems, green solar hot water heater, "ask me about green", green appliances, and Dave Pusey who is debuting his home energy audit program. So there was some buzz about green, but the best part of green, the part that adds the most value to a home, the part that actually has a financial return, is the energy part. And the most comprehensive way to do home energy efficiency, is Energy Star. An Energy Star home is inspected, tested, verified and certified. There is no guessing about how good the energy job was. It is a comprehensive approach, including windows, doors, walls, ceilings, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, duct work, foundation, sealing and ventilation. The entire 9 yards. I always wondered, what does that mean, anyway, "the whole 9 yards"? Should we run a contest for the best answer? It does not need to be correct, just the most creative.

So we talked to a lot of people, some about Energy Star, some about Green Building, and some just about building homes and additions. We talked about the future; energy rate increases, renewable energy, resource management for houses (water), interior air quality in houses. And here is what most people agree on. The cost of electricity, while among the least expensive in the country, is going up. Did P P L say 65%? We say, OK, maybe the 65% is correct, for now. But we all think it will be closer to 80-90% over 24 months. Water usage and controls are going to become increasingly more important. How we handle rainwater in regards to ground water recharge as well as efficient use of water in our homes. And as we continue to build houses tighter, whole house air exchangers will become an important part of the ventilation system. You know, I just had a thought. Everyone touts a green house as being a cost savings because we can use a smaller HVAC system, so why not make the house even more healthy by using the HVAC cost savings to install the heat exchanger? Now that would really be a really nice trade.

Which only leaves ONE question, why is not every house built an Energy Star home? I just don't get it. It is just so obvious.

Well, that's my report for today.