Energy-smart homes make debut

MAPLETON — Model homes from Utah County's first planned energy-efficient community were unveiled Friday in Mapleton.

Harvest Park Homes demonstrated four model homes, the basis of a 500-home development in west Mapleton that meets and in some cases exceeds standards of a national program that aims to make homes more energy efficient.

The program, called Energy Star, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, certifies those that are 15 percent more efficient than state requirements.

But Ben Jacobson, a partner in Harvest Park Homes, said he's even more excited about Building America, a U.S. Department of Energy program that pushes for homes that increase energy efficiency by 40 percent or more.

A Building America model home is also under construction at Harvest Park.

Jacobson said he became involved in the energy programs to save money as energy costs continue to rise. "To become an Energy Star builder, it costs more money initially . . . but it saves you a lot more in the long run," he said.

Energy Star homes employ a number of technological advancements to improve energy efficiency, from Energy Star-approved appliances to improved insulation and windows, which limit heat loss in cold climates and prevent heat entry in warm climates.

Specialty ducts in the ventilation system also limit air lost between the central heating or cooling unit and the vents, improving the efficiency of those systems.

Utah Power became involved in the program last year to encourage higher participation among Utah homebuilders.

"Not very many builders were building to Energy Star specifications, so the utility came in to provide incentives," said Jan Kleszynski, cooperative marketing manager for the Utah Power Energy Star New Homes Program.

Those incentives include financial rewards for each Energy Star home built ($350 per single-family home, $250 per multi-family home), marketing assistance and advertising help.

Utah Power has enough funds to support the program for three to five years, Kleszynski said, after which the hope is that building Energy Star homes will be common practice.

Kleszynski said the program has already exceeded expectations. Builder participation has grown from 13 companies to 60 in the past year.

Utah Power has also received commitments for 4,000 Energy Star homes to be built this year, already doubling the initial goal of 2,000.

"We've been really successful this year in terms of builder enthusiasm . . . our goal now is to make sure all those homes get built," Kleszynski said.