A crew of Gulf Power employees descended on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition home in Pensacola to chip in with other volunteers as they raised the roof on this super-energy efficient EarthCents Home.

This was the fastest an EarthCents Home was ever built according to Jeff Rogers with Gulf Power. He said Gulf Power employees were with the building crew every step of the way to ensure that when the construction was complete, it could be performance tested and certified as an EarthCents Home.

“Literally, 24 hours a day, we’ve been on site to make sure every single energy feature was installed properly,” said Rogers. “Close attention to the construction will help bring the energy savings that homeowners will expect.

“If energy features aren’t installed right,” he added, “they most likely won’t perform as expected and could actually result in higher energy costs.”

The Extreme Makeover home, built by Heritage Homes out of Mobile, includes two WaterFurnace geothermal heating and cooling systems installed by Energy Systems, a sealed attic with spray foam insulation from FoamSeal Insulation, and LED/CFL lighting and other fixtures from Gateway Lighting and Fans. Compared to typical construction, this home will use 30-40 percent less energy. 

EarthCents Home buyers are eligible for rebates from Gulf Power if they choose to install certain super-efficient equipment. For example, customers can receive a $400 per ton for installing a geothermal heat pump. In addition to the Gulf Power incentives, homeowners are eligible for state rebates and federal tax credits when available.

EarthCents Home features

• Properly installed insulation in the walls, attics and floors
• High-efficiency cooling, heating and ventilation
• High-efficiency water heating
• High-performance low-E windows
• High-efficiency lighting and appliances
• Tight building envelope and HVAC duct system verified through inspection and performance testing procedures

EarthCents Home benefits

• A lifetime of energy bill savings
• Improved indoor air quality and moisture control
• Greater year-round comfort
• High-quality, sustainable construction

For more information, visit http://www.gulfpower.com/earthcentshome/home.asp.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 400,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.