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Thank you for your interest in the Southwest Gas Corporation Energy Advantage PLUS (EA+), ENERGY STAR (E*), and EPAct programs. Following is some information we hope you find useful.
What makes a home EA+?
It is more energy efficient than the standard home, as determined by a computer analysis of the builder’s home plans. An EA+ home’s energy performance is at least 15% better than the same home built to the local building code. In some cases, the improvement may exceed 15%.
How is the computer analysis performed?
We use software designed and approved for this purpose. It evaluates the overall energy performance of the home from information on the builder’s plans showing the construction features and equipment to be installed in the home. The energy performance is compared to a home similar to the one being modeled but built to minimum code specifications. This comparison results in a projected index score for each model plan.
How is the energy performance comparison made?
The software provides us with a total estimated energy usage and an index score for each home. Each point of the score represents one percent. A successful plan has a score of 85 or less, which is 15 points below the standard home rating of 100. If the projected energy usage for the builder’s home results in a score greater than 85 we make recommendations to the builder for energy upgrades that will allow the home to meet EA+. Because the program is flexible, a builder may choose a variety of different energy features as long as the total energy usage meets EA+ standards.
What energy saving features may be found in EA+ Homes?
Local building codes are now based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Exceeding this standard by 15% is a challenge and usually requires attention across several areas. Insulation quality must be upgraded, ducts sealed to maximum of 10% leakage, and a return air path provided from the master bedroom. The home must be sealed tightly from air infiltration to a maximum of 0.35 air changes per hour. A builder may choose better performing windows, higher levels of insulation or more efficient heating/cooling and water heating equipment. Some ducts may be moved into conditioned space and window sizing and shading may be improved. The actual construction features a builder uses in the homes may vary, but the overall required energy performance must be achieved.
How does Southwest Gas know the home is built to EA+ standards?
We perform inspections and diagnostic testing of the subdivision models and 15% of subdivision homes as they are built. This process is the same method used for ENERGY STAR certification. Testing and inspections are a critical part of verifying that homes perform to the level of efficiency predicted by the computer model.
What is the ENERGY STAR program?
Southwest Gas also offers the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR homes program. E* homes are also computer modeled with an index score of 85 or less, and start with the same testing and inspection protocol. Additionally they meet stringent requirements specific to ENERGY STAR. These include more detailed equipment sizing, maximum 6% duct leakage, and internal uses such as lighting and appliance efficiency. A selection of ENERGY STAR qualified products must be included in each home (equipment, fans, windows, lighting or appliances.) Extra attention must also be paid to framing techniques, sealing, and insulation details. These are covered by a separate inspection and a checklist signed by the builder. Southwest Gas then provides the E* certificate or label for each home that qualifies.
What are the benefits of high energy performance homes?
Because EA+ and E* homes save you money every month on your utility bills, they are more affordable to live in than other homes. They are also quieter, more comfortable, and more durable. Inspections and testing help assure quality. Because they consume less energy, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In the future, your investment in an energy efficient home can repay itself with higher resale value as well.
What about the Federal Tax Credit for high performance homes?
Homes which use 50% less energy for heating and cooling (compared to the IECC) may qualify for a Federal tax credit of $2,000. This credit is given to the builder to defray the costs of the significant energy upgrades needed to reach such a level. Some EA+ and ENERGY STAR homebuilders may achieve this level of efficiency in their subdivisions. Look for the “EPAct Certified” label.
Thank you from your friends at Southwest Gas!
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