Ask the Expert
Excerpt from The Sunday Oregonian, February 29, 2004
By Thomas Hewes, Oregon Department of Energy
What energy standards and programs affect manufactured homes?
Q: How can I find out about energy efficiency in manufactured homes?
A: There are several ways to learn more:
Q: What federal energy-efficiency standards apply to manufactured homes, and do they differ from those for site-built homes?
A: Manufactured homes have minimum efficiency standards based on the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code, which is divided into climate regions. Site built homes are subject to state and local building energy codes, which can differ in each state or local municipality.
Energy-efficiency levels for Super Good Cents manufactured homes exceed the national HUD code by 40%. The average 1,700 square-foot Super Good Cents manufactured home is 10% more efficient than a comparable Oregon site-built home built to current energy codes.
Q: Are there programs that go beyond federal requirements, and how do they work?
A: The Super Good Cents program is the only program of its kind in the nation. More than 130,000 homes have been built to this standard since its inception in 1987.
Every manufacturer in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington - as well as a few in California and Canada - can build certified Super Good Cents homes. Each home's energy efficiency is evaluated before it's built and is approved by the Super Good Cents staff. State energy offices in the Northwest have staff members who assist builders and buyers.
Q: What specific elements of the house are different in certified Super Good Cents manufactured homes? Can the buyer order additional energy-efficiency measures be built into the home?
A: A few of the features in certified homes are added insulation in the ceiling, walls, and floors; better ventilation systems; better air seals; energy-efficient windows and doors; tested and sealed heating ducts; insulated and sealed skylights; R-8 crossover ducts; and sealed marriage lines.
Most importantly, certified homes have quality assurance on energy-related features from the four Northwest State Energy Offices that offer certification.
Houses are being ordered with energy efficient appliances, digital thermostats, more efficient water heaters, fluorescent lighting and extra insulation. In addition to energy related features, homebuyers have the choice to order an Earth Advantage home with added earth-friendly green features.
Q: How much can a homebuyer save each month on utility bills by buying a certified home vs. one that only meets federal guidelines? Do certified home cost more up front?
A: A homebuyer can save as much as $34 per month on energy bills in Portland area (more in colder climates) for an investment of between zero and $8 extra on the monthly mortgage payment; that investment pays for the energy upgrades.
The average Super Good Cents home in Portland saves about $400 a year on the owner s electric bill (if the owner lives in Spokane, it is about $600 a year) over a home built to HUD.
Super Good Cents homes can cost a little more; it varies by manufacturer. On some models, the energy-saving features are included at not cost. In others, it can range up to $1,500 for the upgrades.
Q: In addition to saving on utility bills, are there other incentives for those who buy certified homes?
A: There are more than 60 utilities in the Pacific Northwest offering rebates to buyers of Super Good Cents manufactured homes. Before consumer buy a home, they should call the local utility or the Super Good Cents Hotline (888.355.6277) to see if their utility offers incentives for buying a certified home. Also find out about possible incentives for energy-efficient heating systems and appliances.
You can also go to the Oregon Department of Energy web site at eee.energy.state.or.us/res/manhme for a list of incentives for energy-efficient home features, as well as contact numbers for utilities. Buyers wanting to tap incentive programs should always call local utilities before buying or siting a home.
Many utilities offer appliance, lighting, water heating, heating systems and sealed-duct incentives. Each utility has a form to fill out to file for the incentive.
Some appliances and sealed and tested duct systems may also qualify for an Oregon state tax credit. Go to www.energy.state.or.us for qualifying models, savings, and other energy tax credit information, or call the 800-221-8035.
Thomas Hewes is a residential energy analyst and manager of residential programs for the Oregon Department of Energy. He is also the manager of the Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Home Program. He can be reached at 503-375-7875 in Salem.