Date:  June 28, 2013  |   Producer: Tiffany Burgess Adams and Rosemary Hallmark  |  

Why He Built Green

“I like the challenge of applying building science to real world applications. Success in energy efficiency is getting the most bang for your buck in regard to the amount of time that a particular upgrade takes to pay for itself. Paying attention here can move a typical new home into what I call a ‘high performance home,’ making better use of our water, electrical and natural gas resources.” —Brandon Tedder, homeowner 

How He Did It

Tedder, a Certified Green Professional and owner of Renaissance Homes, strives to build energy efficient homes without overspending or sacrificing luxury. During his home’s construction phase, the walls were covered with 1-inch-thick polystyrene foam board and low emissivity windows were installed to reduce energy costs. A large tankless water heater that feeds into a small 12-gallon electric unit with a recirculation pump gives the Tedders instant hot water that never runs out. The result is a luxurious home with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index score of less than half of an average newly constructed house, which means Tedder saves more than he spends on utility costs.

Tips from the Pros

“A home built with zero energy costs would receive a HERS Index Score of zero, while standard new construction homes have a rating of 100. HERS Index Scores are now recognized by the appraisal community as an evaluation tool when appraising a home’s resale value. So,  paying attention to energy saving components from the start can not only lower your energy costs, but also may help you when you choose to sell the property. ” —Matt Bell, Home Energy Rx

What Makes It Green 

Hybrid water management system with tankless unit, electric storage tank and recirculation pump

Polystrene foam board insulation

Programmable thermostat

Natural stone flooring

Low-emissivity glass windows

Energy Star appliances