( M AY B E I T ’ S T I M E F O R T H E F L I N T S TO N E S TO

U P G R A D E

T H E I R H O M E )

S T E V E H A L E , C G P ; D I R E C TO R , B U I L D

G R E E N N M

L O R A VA S S A R , A R C H D E S I G N & R E M O D E L I N G ,

C G P, C A P S

Green Retrofits for Existing Homes

New Mexico Housing Stats

Population 2 Million

Housing units 905,000

Detached and attached homes 615,000

Homes built before 1990 490,000 or

about 80%

Data from US Census 2010

What is important about 1990

Beginning of Energy Codes: Late 1970’s, but really took off with the 1998 IECC version. Now increased efficiency codes available every 3 years. NM currently using 2009 IECC.

Homes built before 1990 are easiest to make significant improvements regarding energy and water use.

Average age of homes is 45 years or built in 1969.

This does not mean that if your home is built after 1990 it should not have its efficiency evaluated.

HERS Rater

Energy Use in the 21st century

Compare to new homes

The Energy Audit for Homes

HERS RaterBPI Auditor

These can do an audit concerning Building Envelope Water Use Combustion Safety Maintenance issues

Compare energy consumption with others

The HERS Index works well for New Homes

Can view all the construction at framing and final stages.

Do an evaluation of the Construction Documents before work starts, and make adjustments.

For existing homes it’s more costly and less accurate to get a HERS rating on the home, but there are great options for assessment of a home.

What about water use?

Water Efficiency Rating System (WERS)

Calculates indoor water use savings

For new homes; compares with industry standards

For existing homes; compares existing with replacement

Other benefits of Home Audit

Combustion SafetyLead Paint issues (prior to 1978; NM findings at about 11%)Mold IssuesStructural IssuesRadon

Most Remodelers do not have training in all these areas.

Audit Cost is modest compared to total project cost ($250 to $500)

Rigorous Training & Equipment, compared to the average “Home Inspector”

Incentives (Dsireusa.org)

Reduced Energy BillsIncreased ComfortLess MaintenanceSolar PV incentive from Fed, State and UtilitiesUtility incentives for insulation, water heater, furnace,

light bulbs and air conditioners

Do check for specifics

SBTC is out of funding (was to go thru 2016)

Last Year Next Year

30 day sessionAlmost passed an

incentive for energy and water efficiency upgrades to existing homes.

Burned through 2014, 2015 and 2016 SBTC

60 day sessionLegislative interest to

continue SBTC (in some form)

Add Water Efficiency Incentives

Add Existing Homes Improvement Incentives

Talk to your legislator

Thank You