HOUSE AS A SYSTEM
A house is a multiple component system, from the Building Science point of view, meaning that all house components are interactive. The Building Envelope, which consists of the outer shell of the house, is formed by the foundation, walls and roof. All three of them separate the inside to the outside. All need to be address properly as a system to help us control water, moisture, wind, solar radiation, temperature, ventilation, indoor air and environmental quality, humidity, etc.
The term “House-as a System” means that all building products, air sealing, insulation, and ventilation must work efficiently together, and allow us to design the home to the highest performance into our electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. This approach not only saves energy bills, but minimizes repairs, maintenance, and call-backs, while increasing comfort, durability, and potential higher resale value.
High-performing houses, should be CERTIFIED to Green Building Programs, or be designed to be registered to the DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Program. All homes should be appraised by a Certified Green Appraiser from the Appraiser Institute. All these homes have the potential to receive a 10% higher valuation by using the AI Addendum Form 820.06. You should request an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) from your lender as well.
DEMAND IT FROM YOUR BUILDER, LENDER, REALTOR AND APPRAISER.
DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE!
