The Real Estate Browser Volume 9, Issue 8 | Page 6

6 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 9 Number 8
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
Full Circle
By Drew Howard , President, HomePro, Inc.
I have had people tell me
over the years life is a circle.
In my 25 years of inspect-
ing homes I never thought what I am about
to write would come back around. In the
pre-1960’s it was common to see 60 amp fuse
boxes. Homes did not have Air Conditioning.
Heat pumps did not exist and most people
heated their homes with fuel or wood. There
were no microwaves, computers, docking sta-
tions, etc. In the 1960’s we saw many changes
to the homes electrical systems. Grounded
Romex wiring was introduced, breaker boxes
were replacing fuses and they were getting
bigger as families were adding appliances with
changing lifestyles. It was common by the
1970’s that most homes had a 200 amp panel/
breaker box. In the 1980’s to present it is
not uncommon to have homes with 400 amp
service and a minimum of 2-200 amp panel
boxes. Now the trend is moving to outdoor
generators to keep our homes powered in the
event of a storm so we can still enjoy all the
modern conveniences.
In 1993 I took a week long class and
received a certification as a licensed
Home Energy Rater. The program used a
Minneapolis Blower Door to determine air
leaks in the home. The insulation of the attic
and walls were factored in as well as the win-
dows and doors. The appliances were given
a star rating? This was totally new to me at
the time. We learned how all appliances com-
ing out the following year would have a star
energy rating (This program has saved us tons
of money and power waste by making appli-
ances more efficient). We learned how homes
would be advertised as green homes or energy
friendly homes. We learned how the star pro-
gram would grow past appliances and become
a marketing tool for agents and builders.
The next trend is renewable energy. We
will see more solar grid stations/farms pop-
ping up.
The west coast just passed a law that all
new construction will have a maximum 50
amp breaker box and the rest of the homes
energy has to come from a renewable source
i.e.; wind, water, solar. I’m not sure how long
that will take to reach the east coast. I recall
15 years ago getting a steak dinner for free
from a tank less water heater salesman. He
predicted by 2020 that all homes would have
a tank less water heater. That hasn’t happened
yet but I see where it is headed. I probably
will not see all homes move to 50 amp service,
but I can guarantee you that in the next 5 to
7 years we will see the trend here in Central
Virginia. The circle of the electrical box is
one that I never thought I would see.
If you have any home inspection questions
please let me know. Hope your summer is
full of activities.