Increasing Number of Home Buyers Want Energy Efficiency, Geothermal
If you are interested in a geothermal system to decrease the energy bills for your home and help you be eco friendly (and if you’re on our web site, then that is a ‘yes’), then you’re not alone. Far from it, in fact.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 84 percent of millennial are glad to pay for 2-3 percent more for an energy-efficient home if they can see a return on their energy bills.
“Our builder members are telling us that more and more buyers are looking at new homes for their efficiency in design and functionality,” said NAHB chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “Whether it’s improved insulation or sustainable building materials, today’s new homes can reach higher energy performance and greater durability than was possible even 20 years ago. And programs like the National Green Building Standard help consumers achieve their efficiency needs.”
And home builders are meeting that demand. An NAHB poll shows that almost 25 percent of home builders installed alternative energy-producing equipment (which includes geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps) in new single-family homes.
The survey also said that ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances are one of the top ten features that home builders are most likely to include in the homes they build in 2015. (As an aside, many ClimateMaster geothermal systems are ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2015 certified, which recognizes the most efficient products of those that qualify for the ENERGY STAR program).
The Importance of Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
As homebuyers focus on energy efficiency, understanding the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) can help them make informed decisions when choosing a heating and cooling system. SEER measures the cooling efficiency of an HVAC system over an entire cooling season, providing a clearer picture of long-term energy use.
☑ Higher SEER, Lower Costs – The higher the SEER rating, the more efficiently a system operates, reducing electricity consumption and lowering monthly energy bills.
☑ Geothermal’s SEER Advantage – Traditional air conditioners typically have SEER ratings ranging from 13 to 21, but geothermal heat pumps can reach SEER ratings well above 30, making them one of the most efficient cooling options available.
☑ Consistent Performance in Any Climate – Unlike traditional air-source systems, which lose efficiency in extreme temperatures, geothermal systems maintain high SEER ratings year-round by leveraging the stable temperatures of the earth.
☑ Increased Home Value – A high-SEER system not only lowers utility costs but also adds value to a home, making it more attractive to energy-conscious buyers.
With SEER ratings as a key factor in energy savings, geothermal heat pumps stand out as a superior choice for homebuyers looking to invest in efficiency and sustainability.
