“Zero Energy” Homes

In recent years, we at Viking Custom Homes have been focusing our efforts on how we can build a more energy-efficient home.  Our research has shown that most builders are constructing homes with the same techniques that have existed for decades.  While these techniques meet building code requirements and have been effective in the past, new innovations and technologies now exist that will allow us to truly improve our homes’ energy efficiency.  Our goal at Viking is to utilize the latest technology to meticulously construct your “Zero Energy” home.  The most advanced techniques and products will enable us to keep your total energy consumption to a minimum, thereby saving you money, helping the environment, and granting you independence from unpredictable utility companies.  This is crucial given today’s energy crisis. Alternative Energy is a “must” for our future!

In the past, alternative energy systems weren’t really economically sound.  However, Government has recently passed legislation making these systems not only affordable, but profitable. Currently, Local, State and Federal Governments are offering Real Estate and Federal Income Tax Credits as well as various Grants that make Alternative Energy, more specifically, Solar Energy a terrific option. 

Consider this example.  When you choose solar electric in Howard County, you will receive a $5,000 Real Estate Tax Credit.  Second, the State of Maryland will give you up to $10,000.  Lastly, the Federal Government will afford you a Federal Income Tax Credit worth 30% of the cost of the solar system.  Given all these incentives, you could receive as much as $27,000.00 (or more!) toward building your “Zero Energy” home.  This will substantially off-set costs allowing you to re-coup your initial investment in as little as 8-10 years.  And these figures are based on today’s utility costs!  Who knows how high these costs will climb?  In the last 3 years alone, BG&E and other utility companies have imposed 30% rate increases!  Take energy independence into your own hands! 

“Zero Energy” is a sound investment.  The pre-tax initial rate of return over 25 years averages around 15-25% - far better and far safer than the stock market, bond market, money markets, and long term CDs.

Think about this!  The question our clients most frequently ask is, “What if we only live in the home for 5 years and don’t have the opportunity to re-coup our initial investment?”  Today, the market is flooded with homes for sale and many are having a difficult time selling.  Should you want to sell, you and your “Zero Energy” home will have the best competitive advantage over anyone else in your area!  Not only will your home sell faster, it will sell for more money.  You can show potential buyers how you could save up to $400.00 dollars per month in energy bills --  this equates to an $80,000 monthly mortgage payment!! 

Below is Viking’s formula for making your home as close to “Zero Energy” as possible.  We will utilize:

1. Photovoltaic Modules (Electric Solar Panels) to generate your own Energy
2. Solar Hot Water Systems
3. High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling Systems
4. Passive Solar House Designs
5. Basement Slab and Wall Rigid Insulation Systems
6. Exterior Structural Insulated Sheathing
7. Six Inch Exterior Wall Construction with Blown Insulation into the wall cavity
8. Low-Energy Lighting Packages
9. Clean whole-house Fresh Air Exchanger

Utilizing the energy saving systems above, coupled with a few other innovative building techniques, your new home will become a tremendous asset for the future.  Given our looming economy and World Energy uncertainty, your best defense, your best assurance is to become energy independent.  “Zero Energy” is the wave of the future – become a part of the renewable energy solution – the sun provides enough energy in one day to power the entire world for whole year!  It’s free, clean, readily available, and renewable.