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Energy Ratings
A home energy rating
is a measurement of a home's overall energy efficiency. Knowing your
home's energy rating is similar to knowing the miles per gallon rating
for your car.
A rating takes into
account the insulating efficiency of the walls, foundation, and
ceilings. It looks at the efficiency and orientation of the
windows and doors. The efficiency of the water heater and heating
appliance is factored in as well. When these items along with the
tested air leakage of the home are entered into the AKWARM energy
rating program, an energy efficiency rating is calculated.
If
the rating is performed on a newly constructed home, it can be submitted
to your lending agency for a possible interest rate reduction.
If it's an existing home,
possible improvements will be suggested to make the home more energy
efficient and comfortable for you and your family.
Plan Ratings
Plan Ratings are
completed before the home is constructed. They are an estimate of
what your final rating should be and give you the opportunity to make
changes
to achieve a higher rating before constructing your home.
Items needed for the
rater to do the rating are:
- a measured set of
plans
- a list of insulation
values
- window values and
sizes
- heating system
- water heating system
- ventilation system
- direction house is
facing
- type of construction
if not specified on plans
Plan Ratings Pricing
Plan ratings start at $85.00
and up depending on complexity of plans.
Alaska BEES
Alaska Building
Energy Efficiency Standard was
devised by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation in alignment with the U.S.
Department of Energy's national model of energy codes to guide
homebuilders in designing their homes to be more energy efficient.
The goal is to improve the comfort of a home at a reduced operating
cost. The reduced energy consumption improves the environment
through reduced greenhouse gases and conservation of natural resources.
A manual describing the
standards is available at
Alaska
Housing Finance Corporation.
 A five
star rating refers to the energy efficiency of the home and not the
construction quality.
Energy Improvement
A rating performed on an
existing home can either confirm a previous five star rating or give you
the option to make improvements to raise your point level. A
higher point level indicates a more energy efficient home.
Common
Energy Improvements
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More insulation in
attic or crawl spaces |
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Air tightening of
the home envelope |
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Programmable
thermostat |
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Replacement of
older heaters and water heaters |
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Certified Inspectors with Active Inspections & Energy Ratings in Alaska doing Energy Ratings according to Alaska BEES
AKWarm Certified Energy Raters in Alaska
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