SunTerra EnergyBlock Home

Energy Savings and Cost Comparison

What is the best way to evaluate the energy savings value of a product incorporated into the construction of a new home? The best and immediate way is simply, INVESTMENT and RETURN. What does the home owner receive from this investment per year and what profit will be received when the home is sold?

Heating and Cooling Savings Compared to a New Home Built to Oregon Energy Code

Base Line: 2,000 SF home in climate Zone 5 with electric rate of $.12 KWH. Average heating and cooling expense, $100.00 per month or $1,200.00 per year.

SunTerra FeaturesPercent SavingsSavings
Thermal Mass Advantage30%360.00
Added Insulation Value45%378.00
Passive Solar Contribution60%282.00
Total Savings$1,020.00
Summary: Up to 85% energy savings
ENERGY SAVINGS
Standard Wood Framed
Home without Passive Solar
SunTerra EnergyBlock Home without Passive SolarSunTerra EnergyBlock Home with Passive Solar
Annual cost for heating and cooling$1,200.00$462.00$180.00
Additional annual mortgage cost for SunTerra EnergyBlock home at 5% interest rate$825.00$825.00
Home mortgage interest deduction in 28% bracket$-336.00$-336.00
Total annual cost comparison$1,200.00$951.00$669.00

In 2013, Oregon State University’s fifth-year, value engineer class capstone project evaluated the SunTerra EnergyBlock, high-mass construction provides a 29.7% energy savings over standard light-wood construction.  The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code gives concrete wall construction with exterior insulation a 35% advantage over wood constructed exterior walls in climate Zone 5.

Other factors of consideration:

1. How fast will utility costs increase?

2. Will your choice of home be more valuable than an old technology built home?

3. What is the additional aesthetic value received for the featured masonry walls?

4. Will a home buyer pay more for a stronger, pest free, mold resistant, quieter, more comfortable home?