Cooperatives team up with Doug Rye to build energy-efficient homes
Successful program educates homebuilders, homeowners
Building an energy-efficient home takes more planning and effort and, because of that, many homeowners and builders need to be convinced of their value. That's where the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas' model home program comes in.
"It always seemed like a no-brainer to me," said Doug Rye, the well-known energy efficiency expert who is a consultant for the model home program. "If you are trying to educate the people, why don't you put a house out here that they can see, touch and feel?"
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas agreed and that is why they formed a partnership with Rye in 1997 to build a series of energy-efficient homes around the state. The homes are built using Rye's techniques and are equipped with energy-efficient appliances. Each home is guaranteed not to exceed a specific amount in heating and cooling costs.
In the beginning, the cooperatives built the homes speculatively and then sold them. The homeowners had to agree to allow the house to be shown to the public for three months after they were completed. During that time period, tours were conducted, along with energy seminars hosted by Rye. Today, the homes are pre-sold, with the cooperatives and Rye working as consultants on the homes. As in the past, the owners agree to allow the homes to be shown to the public for a period of time after they are finished.
"The idea is to show people that you can build a beautiful home that is energy efficient, totally comfortable and has very reasonable utility bills," Rye said.
The response to the homes has far exceeded expectations, said Jerry Varner, coordinator of the model home program.
"We've been amazed at the number of people who have been interested in the homes and that have used Doug's suggestions in their homes,' Varner said.
The following model homes have been built or are under construction:
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Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Model Home, Fort Smith: This pre-sold home was completed in October 2002 and has 3,420 square feet of conditioned space. About 3,500 people toured this home during the Parade of Homes in October 2002. It has guaranteed heating and cooling costs of $69 a month.
- Carroll Electric Cooperative Model Home, Rogers: This 3,600-square foot home, which was completed in the summer of 2003, is for sale.
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Clay County Electric Cooperative Model Home, Pocahontas: This 3,710-square-foot home was finished in April 2001. Doug Rye guaranteed the heating and cooling bill to average $98 a month.
- Craighead Electric Cooperative Model Home, Trumann: Started in October of 1999, this 2,260-square-foot home was sold in November of 2000.
- Craighead Electric Cooperative Model Home, Jonesboro: Work began on this pre-sold home in early 2003. Located in a north Jonesboro subdivision, this home has 2,004 square feet of heated and cooled space and will be conditioned by a geothermal heat pump with Doug Rye's guaranteed heating and cooling costs not to exceed a monthly average of $46.
- First Electric Cooperative Model Home, Cabot: Completed in June of 2000, this home has 2,600 square feet of heated and cooled space. The total electrical use averages $98 monthly.
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First Electric Cooperative Model Home, Bryant: Doug Rye, the "King of Caulk and Talk," is walking the walk and talking the talk with his new home in the Hurricane Lake Estates area of Bryant. This home has more than 4,000 square feet and was designed by Rye. A true showplace of beauty and energy efficiency, this home is expected to be completed in the summer of 2003.
- North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Model Home, Mountain Home: This 2,400-square-foot home was completed in July 1999 and was sold in October 2000. It has an average heating, cooling, and water heating bill of $42 a month.
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Ouachita Electric Cooperative Model Home, Camden: This 2,080-square-foot home has guaranteed heating and cooling costs not to exceed a monthly average of $47.
- Ozarks Electric Cooperative Model Home, Fayetteville: Completed in 1999, this 2,600-square-foot home was the first model home built in Arkansas by the cooperatives. It has an average heating, cooling and water heating bill of $39 a month.
- South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative Model Home, Arkadelphia: This pre-sold home has 3,200 square feet of conditioned space. The home has guaranteed heating and cooling costs of $79 a month.
- Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative Model Home, Texarkana: This 3,500-square-foot home was completed in early 2003. It has guaranteed heating and cooling costs of $79 a month.
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS
1 Cooperative Way
Little Rock, AR 72209
501-570-2200
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