Why Build Green Homes? Energy Efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Better Building Performance = Lower Utility Bills
Many home buyers often overlook monthly utility costs for natural gas, electricity, water and sewer. These costs never go away and are not something that you can get competitive bids on. The consensus by experts is that energy costs are not going down and could rise considerably faster than inflation.
On average, Amaris-built "green" homes are typically 45-55% more energy efficient than is required by local state building codes and 40% more efficient than an Energy Star Certified home. This is accomplished by high R-value (e.g. insulation) foundations, walls, and ceiling systems, 94% AFUE efficient furnace, 15 SEER A/C heat pump, compact flourescent light bulbs (CFL's), good overall design and many other details. All Amaris-built homes are automatically Energy Star Qualified too.
When comparing and existing home that was built 10, 20, 30 or 40 years ago versus an Amaris Custom Home, your energy costs could drop dramatically. This translates into energy savings for as long as you own your Amaris-built home.
SOLAR
Some customers seek to go further and desire a home that generates electric power. Depending on the service area you live in and what incentives are available to you, installing a solar voltaic system may be something to seriously consider. Because Amaris Custom Homes is a Westinghouse Solar Dealer, it affords us the unique opportunity to integrate Solar into any Amaris-built homes at a fraction of "market" pricing. For what you will pay for 75 or less square feet of main floor square footage, you can reduce you electric needs by 50-75%.
GEOTHERMAL
Geothermal is becoming very popular and when coupled with a properly sized solar voltaic system that is generating electricity for it to operate, your Amaris-built green home can become near net zero energy. A geothermal system extracts thermal energy stored in the earth.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Domestic drinking water has been called the "black gold" of the 21st century. Experts say that clean drinking water could become the biggest challenge we could face later in this century. An Amaris-built home uses less water, which translates into lower water and sewer charges too.
