Homeowners are more and more aware of the extent to which an energy-efficient building is more economical throughout its lifetime. Improving home energy efficiency not only reduces utility bills, but also improves the comfort and liveability of your home. And the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.
Existing homes can benefit from a wide range of energy efficiencies that can be included in a remodeling project. Many common home problems like moisture on window panes, ice dams, peeling paint, drafty rooms, and mold, mildew and musty odors can be solved by taking steps to improve energy efficiency. Remodeling costs can be offset by reduced energy costs and replacement of older, less efficient HVAC equipment with smaller, more efficient equipment due to decreased heating and cooling loads.
For new homes, the use of energy efficient designs and products can have an even more dramatic effect. The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program has projected that "energy consumption of new buildings can be reduced by as much as 50% with little or no impact on the cost of construction through a systems engineering approach" ("Systems Engineering Approach," Building America, 21 May 2003).
Certified Home Energy Ratings are the right place to begin in building for energy efficiency and to help you meet the requirements of the new Michigan Uniform Energy Code. Ratings start with the plans - assisting you in identifying the most cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities from the beginning of the project.
We can tailor the rating process for remodelers to assist you in designing and building your project according to the new energy efficiency requirements being enforced by building inspection departments throughout Southeast Michigan.