Georgia’s new homebuyers should consider the benefits of an EarthCents New Home. These homes offer built-in quality and comfort and are built more efficiently than homes built to standard building codes helping the homeowner save money and energy for years to come.

The EarthCents program from Georgia Power is a portfolio of energy-efficient programs and features that provide customers with ways to save energy and money while also helping to protect the environment. The program also encourages customers to learn more about energy efficiency while providing them with helpful tools that they can use to make improvements to their homes that are better for both the environment and their wallets.

In addition to the portfolio of energy-efficient programs offered by Georgia Power, its EarthCents New Home program provides buyers with brand new homes that already have built-in quality and comfort. This program provides a better value for homeowners and the environment through a variety of energy-efficient features that are included in the newly-built home.

EarthCents New Home uses a whole-house approach to energy efficiency, and some of the features included in these homes are properly installed insulation in walls and attics, properly sealed ductwork, weather-stripped doors and windows, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and more.

Buyers who purchase an EarthCents New Home can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their home has been independently certified, verifying the energy performance of the home. In order to be verified as an EarthCents New Home, there are a number of qualifications new construction must meet:

• The home must pass a Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) test.
• The home must use Georgia Power as its provider.
• All of the home’s heating systems must be electrical.

Benefits

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your new home was constructed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Lower Ownership Cost
EarthCents New Homes use less energy — delivering $300 to $400 in annual savings on energy bills. Over the next 7 to 8 years, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial.

Better Performance
Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution and noise. EarthCents New Homes help ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality and greater durability.

Smart Investment
By choosing an EarthCents New Home, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

New home builders also benefit from taking part in the Georgia Power EarthCents New Home program because they can distinguish themselves in the market as energy-efficient builders.

If you are searching for a new home in metro Atlanta, make sure your real estate professional shows you certified EarthCents New Homes. To learn more about the program, visit the Georgia Power EarthCents site here.