ROSEVILLE, MINN. (August 15, 2012) — Once again, the Parade of Homes will include the Energy Efficient Home Tour sponsored by Xcel Energy. This tour within a tour highlights those Parade HomesSM that have independent energy testing.
Each of the homes on the tour has been tested by an independent and certified RESNET tester. The ratings include three site visits, including a blower-door test and concluding with a HERS score assigned.
All 103 homes are listed in the Guidebook and online.
What is a HERS Score?
The HERS Index is a nationally recognized scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the most recent International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0.
Any rating under 100 indicates better energy efficiency than the reference home; over 100 means the home will use more energy. HERS scores in older homes with little insulation, leaky windows and outdated construction techniques score well over 100. In Minnesota, a new home built just to meet our energy and building codes would test at about 80 HERS. And, homes certified under MN Green Path so far have an averaged HERS score of 60.22.
Xcel Energy’s Verified Homes Program
Xcel Energy sponsors the Energy Efficient Home Tour to get the word out that saving energy is smart. They also want to share information about their Verified Homes Program. Dozens of builders in the Twin Cities work with the Xcel Energy’s Verified Homes program, initially created by the Environmental Protection Agency. It teaches builders how to properly incorporate energy efficiency into the homes they construct and to help them understand the benefits. The utility company aims to help customers use less energy to reduce the need to build additional power plants and help diminish the impact on the environment.
“We visit each home three times,” explains Pam Newell, program manager at Xcel Energy. “We go twice during construction and once afterwards to make sure it’s operating as efficiently as possible. Homeowners appreciate that someone’s watching out for them.”
Xcel Energy Verified Homes have:
• Effective Insulation
• High-Performance Windows
• Tight Construction and Ducts
• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
• Efficient Lighting and Appliances
To learn more about energy efficient homes, click here.
More Information
Joan Knight, PR Specialist, Knight & Associates
763-205-2720 • mobile: 612-889-7721
Wendy Danks, Dir. Mktg & Communications, BATC
651-697-7565 • mobile: 612-296-5551