Comprehensive 3-day HVAC for ENERGY STAR v3 Trainings

New guidelines released by the EPA for ENERGY STAR New Homes Version 3.0 will go into effect on January 1, 2012. It requires that all HVAC contractors working on ENERGY STAR v3 homes will need to complete training and register with a Quality Assurance provider (ACCA).

The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance is providing comprehensive 3-day trainings across the state to meet these needs. This workshop is designed for HVAC contractors, but designers, home energy raters, and home builders are also invited to attend. These trainings will cover all you need to now about the new program.

Including:

• A comprehensive overview of ENERGY STAR Version 3 (v3.0) HVAC Installer and Rater Checklists
• How to perform the v3.0 test-outs including charging, airflow testing, balancing, & ventilation
• Comprehensive overview of ASHRAE 62.2 calculations, compliance, & design solutions
• An in-depth review of ACCA Manuals J (Version 8), D, S, & T
• Training on the use of Wrightsoft software

The NCEEA has partnered with Home Energy Partners to offer these trainings for a registration fee of only $150 (normally $995), includes lunch all three days and a complimentary ACCA Manual D duct design book. This training also qualifies for 12 NATE CEU's. Click this link to register or for questions call 828-262-8331.

Following are the dates & locations:

January 4-6, Asheville

January 9-12, Fayetteville

January 23-25, Winston-Salem

February 6-8, Charlotte

March 14-16, Durham/Chapel Hill

March 19-21, Wilmington

The Year in Review

The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance has had a productive year. We have made progress in bringing together the energy-efficient housing industry stakeholders to overcome market barriers through education, awareness, and outreach. Some of our accomplishments in 2011 are:

• Multimedia, Direct to Consumer Marketing Campaign - an aggressive, comprehensive, statewide campaign that included: billboards, print media ads, consumer brochures, exhibits at home shows, and banner ads on websites
• The Inaugural Annual NCEEA Summit - a roundtable discussion with Builders, Home Energy Raters, Utility Providers, Real Estate Agents, Lenders, and Appraisers that helped to generate over 175 initiatives
• HERS Rater Incentive Program - Rebate program to achieve the goal of introducing 2,980 new ENERGY STAR Homes into the North Carolina marketplace. We currently have 2,200 ENERGY STAR Homes qualified towards that goal with another 800+ expected by the end of February 2012
• Realtor & Homebuilder Sales Training
• Realtor Trainings & Outreach
• Builder & Rater Outreach
• Continuing Education Trainings for Realtors, Lenders, & Appraisers
• ENERGY STAR v3 HVAC Training
• ENERGY STAR Market Impact Study completed - Provides statistical evidence that ENERGY STAR Homes have a significant market advantage compared to similar code-built homes

What a year! In 2012 we will persevere to grow and achieve sustainability as an organization, build upon our partnership with ENERGY STAR, add outreach efforts in the existing homes arena, and continue to promote the many benefits of energy-efficient homes. We currently have 285 members in the Alliance and 680 contacts on our mailing list. Join the Alliance at www.ncenergystar.org and help us meet our goals in 2012.

NCEEA Study Finds Statistical Evidence for Market Advantages of ENERGY STAR Homes

ENERGY STAR Homes sell faster and at a higher price per square foot compared to conventional homes, according to a study by the North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance (NCEEA).  The study analyzed data for new homes built in 2010 in a five-county area around the Raleigh-Durham region of North Carolina. The study showed that the ENERGY STAR label brings significant added value to homes beyond the well-known 15-30% savings on monthly utility bills.

The study compared ENERGY STAR homes to similar code-built homes. Appraisal values were provided by a third-party NC licensed appraiser.

ENERGY STAR Homes are a more profitable investment, selling for $2.99 more per square foot and up to 89 days faster than conventional homes. 

This provides important evidence for appraisers, home buyers, and sellers because until this study market data to compare these transactions has not been available. Now appraisers have market confirming support that shows added value in homes with energy efficient features and certifications.

At a time when the nation and state is struggling with a stagnant housing market and energy issues, these findings may encourage state legislators to support changes in the way appraisers and lending institutions calculate the value of energy efficiency in mortgage underwriting.

In addition, these new findings may help builders be more assured that their investment in energy efficiency is recoverable and more profitable. Lenders can have confidence that the collateral against the loan is valued properly. Additionally, these findings will give home sellers, particularly real estate agents, good reason to endorse and promote ENERGY STAR Homes because they sell faster and at a higher price point.

Consumers have the most to benefit when purchasing an ENERGY STAR Home. Lower monthly operating costs, mortgage incentives, utility rebates, and a higher quality home that is healthier for both the occupants and the environment.

While an ENERGY STAR qualification adds some additional upfront cost to the home, the financial savings for the builder and homeowner far exceed this initial investment. ENERGY STAR Homes require third-party verification system to assure buyers they are getting a more comfortable home with lower operating costs due to better insulation, advanced framing, air sealing, high performance windows, and more efficient lighting and appliances that meet the ENERGY STAR program requirements. As the study shows, the additional investment in ENERGY STAR qualification is recoverable and even profitable.

The executive summary from this study can be found here and the full report here on the NCEEA website. The North Carolina Energy Efficiency Alliance is a statewide organization housed in Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. The goal of the NCEEA is to strengthen the home building industry and raise awareness about the benefits of energy efficient homes. This effort was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the State of North Carolina’s State Energy Program.  To become a member and learn more about the Alliance, visit www.NCEnergyStar.org and www.Facebook.com/NCEEA.