Spray Foam Insulation Impacts HERS Rating, Saves Homeowners Money
Spray Foam Insulation has Big Benefits for Homeowners
When you’re building a home there are many, many decisions to make. The impact of some choices is obvious. You love the look of Carrera Marble; chances are you will be pleased with the kitchen design you chose that incorporates it. Other choices, like insulation, aren’t so obvious. At decision-making time it’s tempting to go for the less expensive option when it comes to items like these that you don’t “see.” Unfortunately, this can cost you in the long-run.
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) provides a number rating that makes it easy for consumers to see how same-size homes compare in energy use. The lower the number, the less energy used. According to GreenBuilder, “The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index, while a typical new home might rate 100.” Knowing that heating and cooling expenses make up a significant portion of homeownership costs, the lower the number, the better.
That’s why many large builders are using this index to meet code, as well as to market their homes. Think about buying a car. Every car on the lot has a sticker advertising its Miles Per Gallon (MPG). Home builders are using HERS in much the same way – you can think of these numbers as the MPG window sticker for new homes! Providing this information helps potential home buyers estimate the real monthly cost of home ownership by giving them the ability to estimate the total cost of the mortgage and utilities.
Some builders even use cutaway walls inside model homes to demonstrate hidden construction features that can move the needle on HERS scores – spray foam insulation being one of them. Look at this example from Meritage Homes. It clearly demonstrates how spray foam, in combination with other energy-efficient features, work together to conserve resources and save the homeowner money.
According to CR Herro, vice president of environmental affairs for Meritage Homes, “Using a 2,000 square foot home as an example, homebuyers could save $65,000 in energy costs over the life of their 30-year mortgage, which equates to paying $23,000 less for the home.”
The bottom line is spray insulation will help achieve a lower HERS score. For homeowners, this equates to lower utility bills and most importantly, a more comfortable home. If you’re in the market for a new home, let us show you how foam insulation can positively impact the function and efficiency of your home.
