By ELISA BALL
Panda Homes Inc. is the first to construct a five-star energy-rated home in Orem. Representatives from Energy Rated Homes of Utah held an open house Thursday to introduce the advantages of energy-efficient homes.
Panda Homes Inc. is the only builder in the area committed to building Energy Star homes. The EPA Energy Star Homes builders are unique in constructing quality homes that conserve energy, save money and help the environment, while enhancing value and affordable price.
'It comes down to quality. These builders take the time to seal the leaks. These benefits raise the standards of the home, which gives the home greater value and resale,' said David Wilson, executive director of Energy Rated Homes in Utah.
The U.S. Department of Energy, in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, published guidelines for the Home Energy Ratings Scale. A Home Energy Rating measures how efficiently a home uses energy for its heating and cooling purposes. Homes are awarded an energy-efficiency rating up to 100 points for energy self-sufficiency.
All Utah Energy Rated Homes have scored a minimum of 86 points, equal to five stars on the ERHU Energy Star Rating Scale.
'Utah Energy Star owners will save money every month on their utility bill, live in a more comfortable home and have a positive impact on the environment,' said David Wilson, executive director of Energy Rated Homes in Utah.
EPA Star Homes are 30 percent more energy efficient than others. All information is taken into account in determining the rating. Items on a checklist are assigned points, and the total number of points determines the Energy Star classification.
Checklist items include air flow into and out of the house through the ventilation system, air leakage of the building shell, heating and cooling mechanical systems, solar providers and energy-efficient devices.
An energy-efficient home also allows home buyers to qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage. An EEM gives a 2 to 5 percent higher mortgage because the reduction in utility bills allows for more debt.
'If people would look beyond the up-front costs of the home and recognize the long-term ownership cost savings, they will maximize their dollar,' said Wilson.