POWERGRAMS

6 Saving energy means saving money, and in today's housing market, potential buyers are looking for energy efficiency when buying a house. "Today's buyers are much more educated on the value certain energy efficiency measures bring to a house," said Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association (GMHBA) President Jim Mathews. Mathews took these ideals into consideration when building the All-American Home featured in the GMHBA Parade of Homes. "We decided to make the All-American Home all-electric and add certain energy efficiency features because it would attract a lot of buyers who are looking for efficiency to save and for the comfort it provides," Mathews said. The All-American home is one of 57 houses built by 22 builders featured in the Parade of Homes the last three weekends in June. A variety of high-efficiency equipment is featured in the All- American Home, including two heat pumps, an electric tankless water heater and a heat pump water heater. Other energy efficiency measures include foam insulation in the walls and attic, programmable thermostats, zero duct leakage, and LED and fluorescent lighting. An electric vehicle charging station was installed in the garage. Mathews worked closely with Alabama Power to ensure the house included the most efficient technologies. "We were able to install the latest and greatest in energy efficiency by partnering with Alabama Power," Mathews said. "We honestly exceeded our expectations with how efficient we could make this house." The house was rated 60 on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and has an 18 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). "The All-American Home is 40 percent more energy efficient than traditional homes," said Cathy Brown, Alabama Power's Residential Marketing manager for the Southern Division, who worked with Mathews on the project. In addition to the positive ratings, the house is an Alabama Power Super Solutions Platinum Home. "The platinum recognition is the highest level in the Superior Solutions program," Brown said. "With the All-American Home's platinum distinction, the Parade of Homes is an opportunity to show how builders and potential homebuyers can increase a home's comfort and efficiency with a decent payback of savings through the program." The Superior Solutions New Home Program launched in January to guide homebuilders in making the best choices to achieve comfort and energy efficiency year-round, while also rewarding builders for choosing energy-efficient equipment. Houses are recognized in levels of platinum, gold, silver or bronze. The recognitions are awarded based on the amount of energy- efficient equipment installed and the SEER and HERS ratings. Brown said there are Superior Solutions Homes being built in Montgomery and Southern Division at various program levels, but the All-American Home is the first to receive a platinum recognition. The All-American Home is located at 9164 Crescent Lodge Drive. By Katie Kilcoyne Platinum Parade PROFILE FEATURED MONTGOMERY HOUSE HAS HIGHEST OVERALL RATING Public toured All-American Home on Crescent Lodge Drive. Brown inside Alabama Power Super Solutions Platinum Home.

• Cover