Economics

Think P-I-T-I-E

Total monthly home bills typically include paying a mortgage composed of Principal and Interest, and often Taxes and Insurance. Energy (utility) bills are on TOP of that - every month. Most bankers, mortgage companies, and homeowners don't think about utility costs, but when they add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars, it may mean the difference between whether you can afford to live in your home or not.

The average increase in a mortgage for an energy-efficient home is nearly always offset by a comparable savings in utility bills. Basically, you pay about the same amount every month; you just pay a little more on your mortgage and a little less on utilities. Stitt Energy Systems' homes keep families comfortable using significantly less energy. That means lower utility bills now and even greater savings in the future as utility rates rise!

Passive solar design and quality craftsmanship help Stitt homes save 50% or more on heating and cooling bills. You can even opt for a Near Zero Energy Home by installing solar systems to generate electricity and heat household water. Photovoltaic (PV) systems often generate more electricity than you can use at the time, so net metering allows you to send the excess back to your utility company. In effect, you run your electric meter backward! Check out the utility costs of several Stitt homes below.

Eastern Missouri Home

The owners of this Stitt Home have kept records of their energy use for more than 25 years. The 2,064 square foot home features two bedrooms, two baths and a large office. The passive solar design allows the warmth of the sun to enter the south-facing windows to naturally warm the home in the winter. The summer sun, which is higher in the sky, is blocked from entering by the wide overhangs and sun-control walkway. Household water is heated with a solar water heating system and a wood stove provides another heat source. The home is fully air conditioned.

The average monthly utility bill for this all electric home is $45.21. Their back-up water heater has operated fewer than 10 hours per year. Their air conditioner operated 57 days per year and their annual average wood use is less than 3 cords.

South Central Missouri Home

This south central Missouri home received an EnergyValue Housing Award in 2003. The 1,900 square foot home on one level features passive solar design, a solar water heating system and an efficient wood burning fireplace system. The home has a back-up furnace and an air conditioning system.

Nestled is a rural setting, large trees provide shade and pleasant outdoor seating and gardening areas. The dining area takes full advantage of the woodland views. The electric bill for this home averaged less than $60 per month over 8 years.

Northwest Arkansas Home

Winner of a 2007 National Association of Home Builders Green Home Building Award, this two-story home with a bonus room over the garage was designed for a young active family. The abundance of south-facing glass allows the sun to warm the stained concrete floors, which helps warm the home, as well as provide lots of natural daylight.

A solar water heating system, efficient wood burning fireplace system, and high efficiency heating and cooling system are also features of the home. Lots of natural shade and an operable skylight create a natural ventilation system that is especially pleasant in the spring and fall months. The site is Xeriscaped for low water use outside and the family recycles and composts waste. The electric bill for this active family of four, plus a dog and cat, averages less than $100 per month. 

Grid-Connected Northwest Arkansas Home

This home received the 1999 EnergyValue Housing Award and the Builder of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. It was designed and built to be very energy efficient and includes high performance windows and doors, a solar water heating system, an efficient wood burning fireplace system that heats the entire home, and energy and water efficient appliances. The home was built to be “solar ready” so that a photovoltaic (PV) system could be added later.

In 2006, a 3 kilowatt PV system was installed which powers the entire home at certain times of the day. Excess electricity is stored in batteries for later use or fed back to the utility company for use by other homes. Over the last 12 months, the lowest utility bill was $26 and that includes fixed charges and taxes. That is less than a tank of gasoline for many cars.

Southern Missouri Off-Grid Home

This beautiful home is completely detached from the electric and gas utility grid. The PV system generates all the electricity for the home and stores it in batteries for use when the sun does not shine. A back-up generator is activated during extended periods of cloudiness so that the home is never without power.

To achieve this Zero Utility Bill most efficiently, the home was designed to take advantage of passive solar gain through the south facing windows. Calculated eaves block the higher summer sun and prevent overheating the house. Efficient heating, cooling, and appliances use the smallest amount of electricity possible to reduce the demand for power. A beautiful home in a beautiful setting. Energy independent. Zero utility bill!