PARK CITY -- We will soon be getting our heating bills after the latest cold snap.
Experts say most of that bill is money spent on energy that actually escapes from homes, which is why Habitat for Humanity in Summit County decided to build energy efficient houses.
The new energy-saving homes are supposed to cut costs for home owners on the front end by getting them into a house at a lower price, while reducing energy bills.
“It really doesn't take that much more or cost that much more to build energy efficient,” said Jeff Hymas spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power. “But the saving can end up really adding up over time.”
The Habitat program looks to provide homes to families who are paying more than 50 percent of their income to keep a roof over their heads.
“We want to ensure that our families have enough money left over after their mortgage to save for college, to save for retirement and to live well,” said Lisa Schneider, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Summit County.
A performance tested showed the new Habitat homes are 25 percent more efficient than the average home.
Habitat for Humanity said it wanted to build its first green homes in Park City, because its cold climate would be the ultimate test for a green built home.
