Upgrade to 16 seer in new build? (Phoenix, Gilbert: HOA fees, neighborhood, calculating)

[bgray9]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I wouldn't do the insulation, either. The SRP site says you can save UP TO $25/year by upgrading your insulation, or some such tiny value.

Agreed. If the house is already being built in a pretty energy efficient manner, the insulation upgrade isn't going to make a huge difference. The problem of diminishing returns as you get more and more efficient.

[dadof2divas]

I Just want to make sure that my energy bills are at the most savings possible. I will take the advice and have the house tested as jimj suggested. Is there a charge for them to test it that you know of?

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by dadof2divas

I Just want to make sure that my energy bills are at the most savings possible. I will take the advice and have the house tested as jimj suggested. Is there a charge for them to test it that you know of?

A blower door test can cost several hundred bucks.

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by dadof2divas

I Just want to make sure that my energy bills are at the most savings possible. I will take the advice and have the house tested as jimj suggested. Is there a charge for them to test it that you know of?

There probably will be a charge. The way they energy star test with big builders is they test one out of every 10 or more. So to do a specific test on yours will cost Im sure.

Real world experience. You will realize savings with both upgrades. Energy costs will only go up. Efficiencies will only go up, and in 5 years the higher your rating is the better off you will be.

They arent offering anything cutting edge, but if they will do those upgrades, I would do it. Havent asked you, but if you are going to be there 5 years or more, thats key for payoff. Although I think it will pay off much sooner.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

A blower door test can cost several hundred bucks.

I would begin by negotiating it when you purchase. They claim it's built to certain standards and that you're relying on that claim so you'd like it actually tested. Heck they can use your house as one of the QC houses.

[stephen431]

Originally Posted by dadof2divas

I Just want to make sure that my energy bills are at the most savings possible. I will take the advice and have the house tested as jimj suggested. Is there a charge for them to test it that you know of?

According to today's Arizona Republic, APS is running a $99 special on energy audits which include a blower test.

Not sure about SRP.

[bgray9]

Originally Posted by stephen431

According to today's Arizona Republic, APS is running a $99 special on energy audits which include a blower test.

Not sure about SRP.

SRP does a similar audit for $99.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by bgray9

Agreed. If the house is already being built in a pretty energy efficient manner, the insulation upgrade isn't going to make a huge difference. The problem of diminishing returns as you get more and more efficient.

I would imagine it makes a bigger difference than $25 a year in some homes, perhaps somewhat older ones... we've all seen some with not nearly enough insulation.

[dadof2divas]

Originally Posted by observer53

I would imagine it makes a bigger difference than $25 a year in some homes, perhaps somewhat older ones... we've all seen some with not nearly enough insulation.

I am interested in finding out how much each years projected savings would be over all! That would mean if I did not go with the 2 units and just upgraded to the R38 in the ceilings. I like the idea of having them do the testing and have it included into the price for us.

[dadof2divas]

Looks like the house is barely under 2400' so with that the unit will stay at a single 5 ton unit with 3 t-stats in the house. I going to leave it the 14 seer since it does not change the compressor just raises the unit to 16 seer and that is all. Thanks for the info though!