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Green Retrofits for Existing Homes. (Maybe it’s time for the Flintstones to upgrade their home) Steve Hale, CGP; Director, Build Green NM Lora Vassar, Arch Design & Remodeling, CGP, CAPS. New Mexico Housing Stats. Population 2 Million Housing units 905,000
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Green Retrofits for Existing Homes (Maybe it’s time for the Flintstones to upgrade their home) Steve Hale, CGP; Director, Build Green NM Lora Vassar, Arch Design & Remodeling, CGP, CAPS
New Mexico Housing Stats Population 2 Million Housing units 905,000 Detached and attached homes 615,000 Homes built before 1990 490,000 or about 80% Data from US Census 2010
What is important about 1990 Beginning of Energy Codes: Late 1970’s, but really took off with the 1998 IECC version. Now increased efficiency codes available every 3 years. NM currently using 2009 IECC. Homes built before 1990 are easiest to make significant improvements regarding energy and water use. Average age of homes is 45 years or built in 1969. This does not mean that if your home is built after 1990 it should not have its efficiency evaluated.
The Energy Audit for Homes • HERS Rater • BPI Auditor • These can do an audit concerning • Building Envelope • Water Use • Combustion Safety • Maintenance issues • Compare energy consumption with others
The HERS Index works well for New Homes Can view all the construction at framing and final stages. Do an evaluation of the Construction Documents before work starts, and make adjustments. For existing homes it’s more costly and less accurate to get a HERS rating on the home, but there are great options for assessment of a home.
Water Efficiency Rating System (WERS) Calculates indoor water use savings For new homes; compares with industry standards For existing homes; compares existing with replacement
Other benefits of Home Audit Combustion Safety Lead Paint issues (prior to 1978; NM findings at about 11%) Mold Issues Structural Issues Radon Most Remodelers do not have training in all these areas. Audit Cost is modest compared to total project cost ($250 to $500) Rigorous Training & Equipment, compared to the average “Home Inspector”
Incentives (Dsireusa.org) Reduced Energy Bills Increased Comfort Less Maintenance Solar PV incentive from Fed, State and Utilities Utility incentives for insulation, water heater, furnace, light bulbs and air conditioners Do check for specifics SBTC is out of funding (was to go thru 2016)
Talk to your legislator Last Year Next Year 30 day session Almost passed an incentive for energy and water efficiency upgrades to existing homes. Burned through 2014, 2015 and 2016 SBTC 60 day session Legislative interest to continue SBTC (in some form) Add Water Efficiency Incentives Add Existing Homes Improvement Incentives