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HomebuyerFAQ

Homebuyer Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the EfficiencyCraftedSM Homes program?Brought to you by Columbia Gas of Ohio, builders participating in the EfficiencyCrafted Homes program use advanced construction practices, design details, and materials proven to meet a higher standard of energy performance. The result is a home that delivers improved quality and comfort, and energy savings that you can enjoy from the day you move in.

2. Why does Columbia Gas run the EfficiencyCrafted Homes program?Columbia Gas cares about our customers—helping customers save energy and money is in our DNA. Our no-cost weatherization program for income-eligible customers started back in 1987, and we’ve been adding new ways to save ever since. Our energy efficiency programs also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud to have been named an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year each year since 2012.

3. Why should I buy a home built to meet EfficiencyCrafted Homes program standards?Purchasing a new home is a big investment, and it is important to know that it is built to last. EfficiencyCrafted Homes provide durability, increased comfort, and can reduce utility and maintenance costs. An EfficiencyCrafted Home also provides a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, and consistent temperatures across every room, making the entire home comfortable year-round.

4. What are the energy efficiency features of an EfficiencyCrafted Home?EfficiencyCrafted homes feature a complete thermal enclosure system, a high efficiency heating and cooling system, ENERGY STAR® compliant whole house ventilation, and energy efficient lighting and appliances. These features improve your home’s air quality and wall-to-wall comfort.

EFFICIENCYCRAFTED™

For more information, visit EfficiencyCraftedHomesOhio.com

5. How can I find an EfficiencyCrafted Homes builder?There are multiple builders across the state that build EfficiencyCrafted Homes. Please visit our Find a Builder website to learn more about these builders. https://efficiencycraftedhomesohio.com/find-builder

6. Who are Home Energy Raters, and what is the HERS index?Home Energy Raters are certified by an accredited Rating Provider to inspect and test a home for energy efficient features and proper building practices. Home Energy Raters analyze the home’s construction plans and conduct several tests to measure the leakiness of the home and ducts. The results of this analysis are used to generate a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score.

The HERS score is a measure of energy efficiency and falls on a scale from 0 to 150—the lower the score, the more energy efficient the home. A typical resale home has a HERS score over 100. A new, code-built home has an average score between 85 and 100. EfficiencyCrafted Homes score below 70 and often as low as 55. Builders that participate in the EfficiencyCrafted Homes program are required to use a combination of proven technologies, advanced building practices, and performance testing to drive down the HERS scores of their finished homes.

7. How is the construction process of an EfficiencyCrafted Home different than a typical code-built home?An EfficiencyCrafted Home is built to nationally recognized standards for energy efficient construction. EfficiencyCrafted Homes are required to undergo independent testing from qualified Home Energy Raters to ensure the builder is utilizing high-performance equipment and advanced building practices.

Additionally, several program homebuilders take the extra step and build ENERGY STAR® certified homes. Learn more about ENERGY STAR® certified homes at https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/.

8. Do energy efficient homes look different? Most of the features that make a home energy efficient are behind the walls, meaning they will not make the home look any different. Even though you will not be able to see more complete air sealing, tighter ducts, and an innovative use of insulation, these are all features that will help make your home feel more comfortable.

HOMEBUYER FAQ