Energy-rating houses

I appreciated Eric Besson’s recent story on the Arkansas Realtors Association (ARA) blocking a proposed ordinance calling for energy rating of new homes in Little Rock. Divulging the projected energy cost of a home a Realtor is trying to sell is the underlying motivation for ARA’s opposition. Posting annual energy costs could make it harder to sell the house, particularly if the energy rating on the house next door says its annual energy costs are less. Contrast that with “I can’t pay my light bill” being the one of the biggest reasons for mortgage defaults. Wouldn’t it be better if buyers knew what utility costs to expect?

It was also not made clear that a house built to Arkansas’ current energy code no longer qualifies for the FHA mortgage insurance our lowerincome and first-time home buyers rely on. Fixing this by amending Little Rock’s energy code to meet the 2009 IECC is part of the blocked ordinance.

The ordinance also addresses moisture (mold?) issues and builder liability that can result from homes being made increasingly airtight with foam insulation and no provision for mechanical ventilation. The ordinance calls for testing these homes as part of the energy rating which ensures the health and safety of occupants. ARA opposed this added cost. That makes me ponder if $200 for testing house tightness is too much to pay for health and safety, how little is health and safety worth anymore?

Passing this ordinance is important. Don’t give up, Mayor!

RON HUGHES

Little Rock