Energy Efficiency Guidelines

The chart above helps to illustrate the exceptional energy efficiency of a Verndale Custom Home. It shows that on average not only do our homes meet, but exceed Minnesota Power's Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Energy Star's air infiltration requirements.

The chart below shows the air infiltration results for the 27 houses tested over the last 10 years. As you can see 96% of the homes tested would fall into Minnesota Tier 3 for air infiltration standards.

All of the talk of air infiltration means little to the average consumer until you put it into terms we all can relate to: heating and cooling costs. Simply put the lower the air infiltration of your new home = the lower your heating and cooling costs will be now and in the years to come. With energy costs rising drastically over the last 2 years we are all paying more attention to our monthly energy bills. Below we have Minnesota Power comparisons on new construction. Costs listed are in cents per sq/ft and are based on dual fuel heating rates of 3.7 cents per KWH. Square footage includes all heated areas including basements.

As you can plainly see, having a well built, energy efficient home could save you between 0.28 to 0.34 per sq/ft versus standard construction and even 0.48 to 0.84 per sq/ft versus poor construction. On a 1400 sq/ft (28x50 (and another 1400 for the basement) home that means your annual heating cost would be:

Highest Efficiency Level: $336 to $448
Tier 2: $560 to $700
Tier 1: $700 to $980
Standard Construction: $1,120 to $1,400
Poor Construction: $1,680 to $2,800

The chart above illustrates how, with the same initial home cost, a Verndale Custom Home will be worth 123% more than a modular home at the end of a 30yr mortgage. These numbers are derived from numerous county assessors from around the state who are familiar with our homes. To most people a home is not just about the initial cost, but rather looked at as a long term investment, and in that regard Verndale Custom Homes is clearly the best value versus modular housing.