Two new, but very unique, geothermal custom homes being constructed now and in the framing stage!
Platinum Homes LLC is currently constructing two new custom homes near Castle Rock, CO that incorporate both geothermal heating and cooling systems along with our high R- Value thermal wall building envelope system.
One project consists of a pre-sold custom home with 5,200 finished square feet along with an 800 square foot detached climate controlled greenhouse.
Our other project is a for-sale “spec” home with 4,200 finished square feet and is the focus of this discussion.
Each home is constructed with identical geothermal planning approaches and building science construction. Relative to the Spec home, our energy rater consultant is projecting a HERS rating of 53. This is a 47% operating improvement over baseline “efficient home comparison” and earns a 5+ Star rating on the Uniform Energy Rating System. What is exciting to note however, is that this all translates into approximately $1,887.00 in annual energy savings, assuming no increase in overall natural gas or electric energy costs. This annual energy savings is being achieved with a marginal upfront increased capital construction cost of approximately $22,000, representing just 3% of the overall sales price. Annual ROI is 8.6% before federal tax credits. Factoring in the $15,000 of energy tax credits that the new owner will receive, the annual ROI on this energy efficient new home will approach over 26% and less than a 4 year payback period!!! Keep in mind — that if natural gas costs increase, our energy savings calculation increases and the back period shortens even more!
An added plus: Over 15 tons of carbon dioxide saved annually……………..
This construction approach and energy savings strategy make pure economic sense…….and don’t forget, the indoor comfort experience is far superior and very noticeable.
Our next blog will discuss our customer’s home project with a detached climate controlled greenhouse. This is a very unique project indeed and offers additional engineering challenges.
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