I'm working with someone who is active in the "big picture" of state energy regulations.  They are discussing how to compare the efficiency of homes; one possibility is using the metric of BTU/SF.  The idea is that this would be listed on the real estate listings so they could be compared by buyers.  Comments? 

Also - what simulation programs does anyone have experience with (such as REM Design)?  And what are the pros & cons of these programs?

thanks
Bob Irving

I am all for this provided that the method used is simple enough that the real estate and building professionals can use it.  This is not meant to be a reflection on these industries but what good is a system that no one will use.  In my opinion, the potential home owner needs to know all he can including the energy bill before purchase.  Several years ago before privacy was such an issue, one could simply call the power company for the energy bills of all houses under consideration.

Let me sell my new home before this system becomes legally required - just kidding.  In other words, we all want change but not just now.

In today's buyer's market one could certainly ask to see copies of utility bills, or even ask the seller to do an energy audit if there is reason for concern. A smart seller would press both in the hand of prospective buyers in fact. I did so in 2003 when energy wasn't much of a concern and it was plus even then.

The problem with modeling software is that it generates simulations. A great design poorly executed could be an energy hog. An average design caulked to the nth degree could be very efficient.

Energy audits are real world nos. Md offers Home Performance Certificates to homeowners who hire an auditor and make the recommended fixes. Obviously a seller will be reluctant to sign up if the work adds up to five figures, but Md could put a little sunlight on it as well. It could as simple as a form to be signed in the offer batch of paperwork in which would-be buyers acknowledge that haven't seen audit nos. and therefore are assuming that they'll pay at least the area's average utility bills of $x/mo.

"A great design poorly executed could be an energy hog." Thats why verification of new construction or remodeling is an essential part of modeling.

I think you could come close to the correct answer with an air tightness test (ACH50), an inspection of what insulation, windows, furnace, etc are installed and then a simulation based on those numbers. Probably more accurate than past utility bills.