The Energy Commission's new regulations focus primarily on two areas--a home's duct system and windows. In one of the options under the new rules, which go into effect in June, the ducts could be sealed even more tightly than they are today and as a result, less than 6% of the hot or cold air produced by the heater or air conditioner would be lost before it reaches the room vents.

"In all, the new standards are expected to make new homes between 12% and 15% more energy-efficient," says Robert Rivinius, CEO for the California Home Building Industry Association, a statewide trade association representing more than 6,000 homebuilders, remodelers, subcontractors, architects, engineers, designers and other industry professionals.

To keep costs from escalating--California is home of nine of the 10 least affordable housing markets in the nation--builders are working at the state and national levels to expand tax credits and energy-efficiency programs aimed at homeowners.

Rivinius says there also will be an effort made to make California's existing 12 million housing units more energy-efficient because they consume far more electricity than the 150,000 new homes built each year in the state.

This news comes on the heels of the Public Utility Commission's unanimous vote yesterday that results in an immediate increase in electric bills for the state's power users; 9% for residential and 7% to 15% for small businesses and commercial building owners.

Instant Insights /

New Homes to Be More Energy Efficient

Related Stories

Recommended For You