Here's one of the 13 myths refuted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory staff scientist, Evan Mills:
Myth: Energy efficiency increases the first cost of houses.
While efficient products usually cost more, in some cases there may be little or no added initial cost. Most efficient products are also premium products (in terms of features, warranty, and so on), so it's difficult to say that you are paying for the efficiency.
In some instances, efficiency can even reduce first cost, as in the case where smaller, properly sized heating and cooling systems can be installed if they're highly efficient.
When homes are designed well and include such measures as passive solar lighting and heating measures, optimum-value engineering, correctly sized HVAC systems, high-tech windows, and shorter duct runs, up-front building costs often turn out to be about the same as those of conventional homes, while operating costs are significantly lower.
What’s more, high-performance homes offer huge savings in terms of occupant comfort and safety, and reduced litigation and callbacks."
I'd add, in addition to "correctly sized HVAC systems" a highly-efficient, energy-saving, home air cleaning system that keeps your indoor air clean. How can you enjoy your smart energy habits if the air you breath leads to allergies or other respiratory, or lung or heart problems?
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