http://vtdigger.org/2012/03/20/bill-would-mandate-home-efficiency-disclosure/
March 21, 2012
VT bill would mandate home efficiency disclosure
Posted by Jason J. Czarnezki under Uncategorized1 Comment
1 Comment
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JASON J. CZARNEZKI
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March 21, 2012 at 1:04 PM
I find this bill extremely problematic and a threat to Vermont’s valuable historic building stock. The age of a home does not directly correlate to its efficiency. Putting the embodied energy aside, many older homes will be more efficient if kept in good repair. A well-constructed modern home can be extremely efficient. But we all know that few new homes are well constructed. Similarly, replacement windows are not by default more energy efficient. The bulk of replacement windows I’ve seen are cheap and inadequate. Historic windows were custom-built, typically from high-quality old-growth hardwoods that we can no longer find, and fit tightly in their openings. A well-sealed historic window with a good energy efficient storm sash will often prove more efficient than a cheap replacement window. This bill will only encourage sellers to make cheap, quick fixes to their properties just to sell and turn the most profit. Energy efficiency in home construction and rehabilitation should be a more thoughtful and individualized process.