Understanding the Energy Performance Score (EPS)
Have you come across the term “Energy Performance Score” or “EPS” and wondered what it meant? One of Winsome’s LEED certified homes in Salem, OR recently received its Energy Performance Score, which gives us an opportunity to provide some insight on the components of an EPS.
Similar to comparing miles per gallon with vehicles, an EPS enables prospective home buyers to easily compare newly built homes based on three main components: energy efficiency, carbon footprint and annual energy costs.
The energy score can range from zero to over 200, with zero being the best possible rating. Completed in 2016, our featured home received an EPS of 74, almost 50 points more efficient than similar sized homes in Oregon. Energy efficient features that influenced this home’s score included the insulation, windows, water heater, heat pump and envelope tightness. Tight construction focuses on preventing heated/cooled air from entering and leaving the home in an uncontrolled manner. A low number, such as the 3.9 ACH this home received, denotes a well-sealed home with fewer air leaks. The home’s size, 2,251 square feet, and specific design were factored into the score as well.
Measured in tons of carbon dioxide per year, this home’s carbon footprint is estimated to be 7.4 tons per year. That’s over three tons LESS each year than a comparably sized home! Winsome emphasizes conservation of natural resources both in the construction and the continued functioning of a home’s structure over its lifetime, creating buildings that are part of a long-term environmental solution.
Finally, the EPS gives buyers an estimate of annual energy costs. Knowing how much it costs to operate a given home equips buyers with a straightforward comparison tool.
We would love to be the residential custom home builder for your next energy efficient home. Contact us at 503-472-7402. You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive homeowner maintenance tips, builders’ best practices, home building trends and learn about other featured projects.
Categories: High Performance Construction