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Energy Efficient Homes in the Poconos

If you live in the Poconos or have visited the region before, you know about the incredible natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. The area is characterized by rolling, wooded hills, dense forests, green valleys, and winding rivers. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, Poconos home owners care about protecting the region in which they live. That is why many choose to do their best to make their homes energy efficient. 

Poconos-MountainsPhoto Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli, Creative Commons License, Photo Modified to Fit This Page

There are quick changes home owners can do right away to make their homes more energy efficient. Changing out incandescent light bulbs for CFL or LED ones will automatically start saving you money on your energy bill. Caulking around the edges of your windows can help trap hot or cold air in your home, minimizing the need for turning on the heat or air conditioner. Turning down the thermostat one or two degrees more than you normally do when you go to sleep at night is also a small step toward making your home more energy efficient. Remember, the less energy one uses the smaller their carbon footprint is. Essentially, saving money on your energy bill helps save and protect the environment including the Pocono Mountains!

Here are are some things that are important for determining your home's level of energy efficiency!

The HERS Index

The HERS Index is the Home Energy Rating System Index. It is the industry standard used to measure a home's energy efficiency. Nationally recognized, it is utilized for determining a home's energy usage and performance. A standard new home typically has a HERS Index Score of 100. So If your score is 60, your home is 40% more efficient than the normal new house. On the other hand, if your score is 140, your home is 40% less energy efficient than the normal new house. 

When a home is scored based on the HERS Index, the auditor takes the following factors into account:

  • Exterior Walls
  • Floors
  • Ceilings and Roofing
  • Attics, Foundations, and Crawl Spaces
  • Doors, Windows, Vents, and Ducts
  • HVAC Systems, Water Heaters, and Thermostats
  • And Other Factors

A HERS Index Score can benefit your home's resale value if it is energy efficient! Your score can be accessed online using the RESNET National Rating Registry. If your home has a HERS Index Score, you can use that to show your home is energy efficient which can potentially increase its value! On the other hand, you can search the registry to find out if homes you are interested in are energy efficient.

Home Energy Audits

If you are interested in determining your home's energy efficiency, you should schedule a home energy audit with a RESNET home energy auditor. During the audit, you will learn:

  • How and Where Energy is Being Wasted in Your Home
  • Which Systems in Your Home Are Inefficient
  • What Cost Effective Measures You Can Take to Make Your Home More Affordable, Comfortable, and Energy Efficient. 

Conclusion

If you are looking to remodel your current home for energy efficiency or if you are searching for a new, energy efficient home in the Poconos, Liberty Homes is here to help! As an Energy Star certified builder and a Resnet Energy Smart Builder, we take pride in making homes energy efficient and in protecting the beautiful Pocono Mountains. If you have any questions about our remodeling services or about building a custom, energy efficient home in the Poconos, don't hesitate to contact us!

   

    Poconos Custom Home Buyers Guide