Energy Efficiency
Efficient and Renewable
Riverwood Homes is committed to building high-performing houses that far exceed the minimum building code requirements to deliver our customers a long-lasting home with minimal utility costs. Our homes also have a minimized impact on the environment because of our renewable energy solar panels and our energy-efficient appliances and building materials. All of our homes are certified by Energy Star and the Zero Energy Ready Homes program, and they are independently tested and assigned a Resnet HERS score. Please ask for your home's incredibly low HERS score!
Benefits to You the Homeowner
Renewable Energy
Starting in 2024 we started including solar panels as a standard feature with each house. In Idaho we include 10 panels equaling 4.05 kW, and in Washington we do 7-9 panels, depending on the tilt and orientation to provide at least 3,600 kW of energy annually. This amount of solar panels provides a substantial offset to your electric bill (approximately $65 per month), and you'll receive over $4,000 in tax credits and deductions. Your home's value is enhanced by these panels, and you will be able to command a higher selling price when you ultimately decide to sell your home. The solar package is not leased so there is no monthly obligation, just savings! And the savings just grow as utility rates increase.
Each Riverwood house also includes a 50 amp outlet in the garage for an electric vehicle plugin.
Certified
Besides being certified by Energy Star, all of our houses certified with the Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Homes program. This program requires us to build in a healthy and energy-efficient way and at much higher performance standards than Energy Star or local building codes. This sets us apart from virtually all builders in our markets and pushes us to constantly stay on the cutting edge of innovation in the industry.
Comfort
Because our houses have enhanced insulation and low levels of air leakage, the temperatures inside your home will be stable and consistent, so you shouldn't experience draftiness or cold spots. Our high-efficiency HVAC systems are rigorously designed and balanced, and our two-story houses are zoned, so you won't feel noticeably warmer or cooler temperatures on each level of the house.
Cost Savings
Our homes are built with highly efficient appliances, enhanced insulation, low-E windows, and minimal leakage to the outdoors, so your monthly utility bills will be very low. Since our HVAC ducting is located within the thermal envelope of the house, the air isn't exposed to the extreme temperatures of the attic. The Resnet HERS scores we obtain from a 3rd party tester indicate that our homes will save you hundreds of dollars per year on utility bills compared to other new homes built only to the minimum required standards. And of course your solar panels will bring your already low utility bill substantially lower!