I frequently write about energy efficiency, and I’m sure you educate your customers on how to save energy in their homes and buildings, but do we actually practice what we preach?
Schneider Electric has announced a partnership with Alarm.com, a leader in interactive security and connected home services, to bring the Wiser home management system to home builders, utilities, and other service providers in the energy efficiency space.
With installed costs starting at around $7,000, these are luxury items that not every homeowner can afford; however, contractors are reporting a surge in sales that they expect to continue for the foreseeable future.
Customers looking to invest in more expensive heating and cooling systems have numerous options from which to choose, and most will result in better comfort and efficiency. But for that rare homeowner for whom money is no object, contractors may want to suggest manufacturer-recommended “dream” systems, all of which offer exceptional comfort, whisper-quiet operation, and super high efficiency.
Annual shipments of remote access and control thermostats that allow consumers to adjust temperature in homes via a smartphone or tablet will quadruple by 2017, as consumers aim for increased comfort in their residences, according to a report from IMS Research, now part of IHS.
While all the homes in Meadow Ranch are extremely energy efficient, one stands out, as it not only achieved LEED Platinum certification, but it served as a test home for a new air-to-water heat pump.
While Nest continues to grow in popularity, contractors across the nation are discovering ways to benefit from that success by becoming certified Nest installers, adding a new breed of tech-savvy clientele to their customer base.
Many organizations are raising the bar of professionalism across the industry by offering certifications to individuals exhibiting a high degree of achievement in the field of energy-efficient homes.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking information from organizations and/or coalitions of organizations that are using, or would like to use, the Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals project.
Section 102.1.4.12 of the RESNET home energy rating standards requires all home energy rating providers to collect and upload the energy simulation file for each home rated by each certified rater to the RESNET Buildings Registry. RESNET is proposing an amendment that will spell out what information is to be uploaded.