Launching a new construction project is an exhilarating time for both buyer and builder, and everyone has the same goal: successful completion of a home that utilizes all available resources to maximize its potential.
With 57 percent of home buyers acknowledging that they would be willing to pay more for a home equipped with natural gas service, and natural gas homes seeing a six percent higher re-sell value than homes that aren’t equipped with natural gas, taking advantage of the Florida Public Utilities Natural Gas Builder Program is truly a win-win.
The following are five ways you can benefit from the Florida Public Utilities program:
- Streamlined, dependable service
In the building process, there’s nothing more frustrating than having glitches and delays from external contractors. With the FPU program, your builder streamlines the process with the same reliable and credible service that you’ll continue to receive after moving in at the end of the construction process. Seamless natural gas delivery, appliance repairs and value-added services continue long after you walk the threshold as a new homeowner.
- Efficient appliances, purchase incentives and low operating costs
Along with natural gas delivery, you’ll also enjoy energy-saving, efficient appliances, rebates and repairs. Natural gas appliances can lower your energy bills by as much as 25 percent, and the FPU program offers up to $1,750 in rebates, which can incentivize both builders and homeowners. Because natural gas arrives via underground pipelines, gas-operated appliances such as water heaters, ranges, generators and outdoor lights keep running when the power goes out. The appliances also have longer lifespans and fewer maintenance needs than their non-gas counterparts.
- Energy independence and job creation
American workers and society in general benefit with energy independence from foreign oil. At least 97 percent of the gas used in the United States is produced in North America, and every one-percent increase in gas production leads to 35,000 domestic jobs. Domestic gas production also reduces the billions of annual dollars sent to OPEC countries from the United States and Canada.
- Cleaner emissions and lower carbon footprint
It’s no secret that natural gas affects the overall environment in a gentler way, emitting almost 30 percent less carbon dioxide than oil and 45 percent less than coal. It also emits much lower amounts of nitrogen oxide, no solid waste, and almost no sulfur. In addition, it reaches your home three times more efficiently than non-gas energy sources.
- Benefits for both builders and homeowners
Using the FPU program, your builder benefits by incentives and savings that can be passed along to you with lower overall building costs. The builder wins in many other ways as well, such as meeting energy codes, becoming ENERGY STAR qualified, and gaining points that count toward LEED certification.
Both during and after the building process, the Florida Public Utilities (FPU) Natural Gas Builder Program can benefit your house, your country and the shared environment that we all call “home.” Check out the FPU program today.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of natural gas, including reliability, energy-efficiency and financial savings
Find neighborhoods with natural gas homes here.
