How do you convince a buyer that your homes are energy efficient? Possibilities include testimonials or energy bills from past home buyers, credible third-party evaluations, and results from energy performance tests on your homes. Each of these approaches can be effective but they also each have their limitations.
Today's sophisticated buyers are not likely to be satisfied with testimonials. Energy bills may be a more effective approach if you are building
the same or similar homes repeatedly. You may also want to enlist your homes in an established energy-efficiency program with a good reputation and credibility among consumers. Many local utility companies have programs like these, and regional and national programs are also available. One of the better-known programs is the ENERGY STAR ® Program, created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. As programs such as this have become more renowned, they have also become valuable tools for builders to use in marketing the energy features of their homes. However, keep in mind that many programs have very specific criteria that must be met in order to be in compliance with the program. Some require field audits and performance testing on all homes or a sample of homes. The costs to
qualify for these programs vary, and this should be weighed into your decision to pursue or not to pursue these types of programs.
Another approach is to conduct your own performance testing on the homes you build. Some builders have tests performed in front of customers to demonstrate energy efficiency. Since there are varied costs associated with these tests, you need to decide if you should test all of your homes or just a representative set. Details on some of the more common tests are available.
Rather than invest money in performance tests, many builders prefer to simply put this money directly into their energy package. Typically, those who choose this tactic will use a detailed set of specifications as their selling point to illustrate the energy efficiency to buyers. One approach
that combines the testing approach with the specifications approach is to first develop specifications for the home and then test a sample of homes
to verify performance.
Tests of Energy Efficiency
BLOWER DOOR TESTS determine how airtight a home is by measuring how much air can get into or out of a home with windows and doors shut. A smoke tube test can help determine where air leaks are located. To perform this test, a fan assembly and metering equipment are fitted into a door opening. The house is pressurized or depressurized to a set level with the fan. The amount of airflow needed to sustain the set pressure level indicates how leaky the home is. This test is usually performed after drywall installation and costs will vary by region and contractor -- usually around $200 or more.
DUCT LEAKAGE TESTING is performed by sealing off all supply registers and return grills, and pressurizing the duct system at the air handler or a central return grill. Leakage rate is measured using an airflow and pressure gauge. Tests can be performed on new homes before drywall installation and cost between $175 and $400.
INFRARED (IR) THERMOGRAPHY can be used to detect relative heat loss and air leakage in a home. A special infrared camera is used to make an image of surface temperature on exterior walls, floors, or ceilings. The resulting photos or video are typically contrasted so that warmer objects appear as brighter colors. These color variations indicate where insulation is missing or where air leakage is occurring. The cost range for this testing is between $200 and $500.
As with all these tests, check with your local utility to see if they offer free or discounted services. For more information or to find diagnostic
contractors, visit the PATH website at www.pathnet. org, or the Department of Energy's website at www.eere.energy.gov/.