How Do You Know if Your Home is Energy-Efficient?

Having an energy efficient home can save you a lot of money every single month of the year. A lot of home builders claim “energy efficiency” but there is an index that can show you just how efficient it truly is.

This index is the Home Energy Rating System or HERS Index. The HERS Index calculates a home’s energy efficiency and is the industry standard for assessing a home’s energy performance. Homes with lower HERS scores use energy more efficiently and that saves money, conserves energy, and increases a home’s value. In fact, homes with a lower HERS score can save homeowners between $700-$1200 annually.

Shoreline homes proudly have a 49 HERS score, compared to the average 100 HERS score for new home construction.

All Shoreline homes are constructed with energy-efficient 2” x 6” exterior walls. Not only do these thicker walls provide better fire protection, they also leave more room for greater amounts of insulation than would typically be used. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulating materials are rated in terms of R-value – generally speaking, the higher the R-value, the greater the effectiveness. Homes with 2” x 6” walls, like ours, achieve an R-value of 23 compared to the typical R-15 in standard 2” x 4” walls. That can make all the difference when it comes to trapping heat and cool air and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

At GCD, we are constantly seeking out new ways to build our homes to be as energy efficient as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we are striving for energy efficiency in our homes, or for more information on how you can be the proud owner of your own Shoreline home.