Imagine owning an Energy Star Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) for the same cost as a standard home. It’s not just a dream-it’s a reality. And the benefits? A ZERH home can save you thousands of dollars in energy bills in the first 5 years, and tens of thousands over 30 years. Plus, every dollar saved is a step towards reducing CO2 emissions, making your investment even more valuable in the long run.

In our previous post on Building an Energy-Efficient Home, we explored how the EcoSmart™ Stud (ESS) wall system meets all the exterior wall requirements for the Energy Star ZERH program. But what’s the real game-changer here? It’s the affordability. The ESS wall system puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to build a high-performance home without breaking the bank.

When the cost of building the exterior wall required for these programs is reduced by about 2/3, it’s a big deal! Now, the Federal rebates go a lot farther! Combine the Federal rebates with local utility rebates available for building energy-efficient homes, and now rebates that were designed to pay for part of the extra upgrade costs can pay for ALL the extra upgrade costs!

In Minnesota, we have Xcel and CenterPoint Energy territories. The combined Federal and Utility rebates here can total up to $12,000 per home!

That $12,000 can cover the extra upgrade costs for the EcoSmart™ Stud exterior wall system, the attic and basement insulation, the windows, the heat pump water heater, thermostat, etc…… for the average 2300 sq ft new home!

All the other benefits of using the ESS come at no extra cost! ESS wall systems are stronger, more resilient, and more environmentally responsible. They provide better insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling, and are more durable. Their environmental responsibility comes from the fact that they use sustainable materials and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.

With all the money saved from using the EcoSmart™ Stud wall system in a Zero Energy Ready Home build, you can take the next step to a Net Zero Home at a far lower cost!

Having an energy-independent home is an investment that will reap dividends every year! These dividends come in the form of significantly reduced energy bills, increased comfort and health benefits from improved indoor air quality, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.

*2300 sq ft or under home with specific program component selections.