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A recent reported surveyed the top 10 things that home buyers want in their next house included energy efficient features. Besides cost and appearance, savvy home buyers have been looking for green features and energy efficiency for years.
Green features and sustainable designs can save money both now and in the future, and offer numerous earth-friendly benefits.
The Review gave the following pointers for features some are looking for in manufactured housing.
Functional Spaces
Downsizing is a popular trend these days and home buyers are looking to get more functionality out of less space. This appeals to both young families and empty-nesters. In the forefront of this trend, modular or manufactured homes are gaining in popularity.
Energy Star
Energy Star certification, meaning the home meets stringent requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a popular feature that attracts home buyers. These homes cost less to heat and cool, are quieter, more durable and have better indoor air quality. Energy tax credits to builders where extended recently, which means these may cost you less when you buy an Energy Star certified home.
Low-E Windows
Double-paned windows are another nice feature to have in a new home. These windows offer low emissivity, also known as low-e, with advanced window coatings that help retain heat during winter and keep it out during summer. This microscopic layer also blocks damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture. Clayton Homes and other builders often provide low e windows as an option or standard featured on various model homes.
Effective Insulation
Extra insulation in homes, including the walls, roof and flooring make quite a difference in utility bills. Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps to better regulate a home’s temperature so that the furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work harder than necessary.
Advanced Heating and Cooling
According to a 2009 RECS Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounts for 41.5 percent of the average household’s energy consumption, which is why homebuyers seek atmosphere-controlling features that can cut this number dramatically. More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems, such as a heat pump, use less energy, which makes the home much more energy efficient throughout.
Smart Lighting Alternatives
According to the EPA, CFL light bulbs use less energy than many other types, which makes them a smart option for an energy-efficient home.
Tight Construction
Tight construction and tight ducts are a must when building a home. These are factors commonly found with virtually any factory builder today.
Builders must pay close attention to detail by sealing all holes, cracks and seams in ducts and construction assemblies. This helps to eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests and pollen, plus boosts comfort while lowering maintenance costs.
Searching for and demanding these types of features in a new home can pay off in the long run with lower utility bills now. They will guarantee many years of trouble-free maintenance and cost-efficient living in your next beautiful new home. ##
Recent, related energy saving MH stories:
Manufactured Homes Soar in Energy Savings, Says University of MI study
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Extols New Super-Efficient Manufactured Home
(Photo Credit: TheReview)
Article submitted by Sandra Lane to Manufactured Home Living News.
