With EPS, energy performance is in the details

Guest post from Energy Trust of Oregon

See the benefits of energy-efficient homes at this year’s virtual Central Oregon Green Tour. Energy experts and homeowners will give you the insider’s scoop and lead video tours of EPS^TM rated homes built for quality, comfort and efficiency. Brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon, EPS is an energy performance score that shows the energy impact of a newly built home and how much it costs to operate.

With EPS, you can compare homes based on efficiency and find which ones offer superior comfort and savings. Qualified homes are built to be at least 10 percent more energy efficient than required by current building codes. When you buy a home with an EPS, you know you’re getting a higher level of performance.

“They all have better insulation, they’re properly sealed, they have highly efficient HVAC systems and windows, so there’s improved efficiency and energy-cost savings,” says Scott Leonard, a program manager with Energy Trust. “But the overall advantage of these homes is a higher level of comfort that you don’t get otherwise.”

The benefits don’t stop there. Leonard notes that EPS rated homes deliver health advantages as well: “Requiring fresh air systems in EPS homes creates a healthier living environment for everyone in the home.”

The Central Oregon Green Tour is a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of EPS. Here’s a closer look at some of the key attributes you’ll find in EPS rated homes during this year’s virtual tour:

1. An energy score that includes estimated utility costs, so you know what to expect before you buy.
2. Energy-saving lighting and efficient built-in appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters.
3. High-performance windows that help to deflect heat in the summer and retain it in the winter, with well-sealed window frames that make for a quieter home.
4. Special framing techniques that allow for extra insulation join forces with energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment to enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality and lower utility bills.
5. Tight construction helps prevent unwanted pollutants and drafts. Plus, mechanical ventilation systems bring fresh air into the home for healthier indoor air quality.

An EPS home can save you money and energy for years to come, so be sure to ask about EPS during the virtual event, and remember to bring it up with your builder or real estate agent as your home search continues. For more information on how EPS can help you find a better-built home, visit www.energytrust.org/eps.