When
you look into the future, there's one thing that's certain.
The
cost of heating and cooling our homes, isn't going to get any cheaper.
But
there is one option, that can help the new home buyer.
PSO
is working with builders, to construct homes that are very
efficient.
It's
called the High Performance Home Program, and the PSO employee who
manages it, is a real believer.
She's
buying one of those homes.
Lisa
Puyear is working with a builder who uses PSO incentives to build tight, energy-efficient homes.
While
her home will cost about 5% more up front, there will be huge energy
saving over the life of the house.
For
starters she expects a electric bill that's about $100 a month.
That's
only about half what most of her neighbors will be paying.
Her
home includes a lot of extras, such as Energy Star windows and a
highly-efficient heating and cooling unit.
Her
entire attic is also sealed off and insulated, so that system isn't
sitting in a hot or cold space.
She's
also used a special coating on all her duct work, so there will never
be any air leaks.
She
says standard duct tape works for about 5-years, but over time it
losses it's usefulness.
Another
key issue is the basic insulation and caulking of the house.
She
says making sure that's done properly, is a key issue.
All
the insulation in the world can be a waste, if it's not properly
installed.
In
the end proper, care and planning during construction can save a lot
of money in the future.
