Builders Gone Wild

Posted By admin on June 22, 2009

Question 1: Which of the following is the most efficient heating source:

• - A. Electric Heat Pump
• - B. High efficiency gas furnace
• - C. Geothermal heat pump
• - D. Dual Fuel heating system

Answer: D. Dual Fuel combines the efficiencies of an electric geothermal heat pump with a gas furnace so the system uses the most efficient heat source at a given temperature.  The system actually knows which mode to run for the most efficiency at a given exterior temperature.  Typically the colder it gets outside the more efficient it is to run a gas heat source.

Question 2:  How much of a tax credit can a homeowner get for installing a new geothermal unit?

• - A. $2,000
• - B. 10% of the installed price up to $4,000
• - C. 3% of the installed purchase price with no cap
• - D. 10% of the installed purchase price with no cap

Answer: D.  Geothermal systems installed after February 19, 2009 qualify for a 10% tax credit regardless of install price.  Prior to 2009 there was a $2,000 tax credit available for installing geothermal heating systems.

Question 3:  Why is Low V.O.C. (Volitile Organic Compound) paint an environmentally friendly choice?

• - A. Because VOC’s are contribute to depleting the ozone layer
• - B. Because VOC’s can agitate breathing conditions such as asthma
• - C. Because VOC’s can seep into the soil and contribute to water table contamination
• - D. All of the Above.

Answer: D.  I just realized all of my answers are “D”.  Maybe I’ll switch it up on you next question….or maybe not! 

Question 4:  What is the best score a house can obtain on a HERS rating (Home Energy Score)?

• - A. HERS Score of “100″ is the best
• - B. HERS Score of “0″ is the best
• - C. HERS Score of “56″ is the best
• - D. None of the above

Answer: B.  A HERS Score of “0″ means the home purchases no energy from the power company and it is complete self-sustaining. A HERS Score of 100 means the home was built to the 2004 Energy Code.  Interesting fact: the 2006 Energy Code is not enforced in the greater Cincinnati market and many builders’ homes would not meet this code. 

How do you rate? If you got…

…all 4 right you’re a “Greenius” (ha ha, a green genius)

…3 out of 4 correct, you’re on your way to becoming a greenie

…2 out of 4 correct, your green quest has just begun

…1 out of 4 correct, at least you knew 1!!

….0 out of 4 correct, please surf the web for some green information!

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