Every home we build is ENERGY STAR certified* because we know the difference it makes in lowering the operating costs of your home and in the comfort level of the home.  Given today’s rising energy prices and the impact of its production on our environment we believe that it is important to build, at a minimum, to the ENERGY STAR standard.

How New Homes Earn the ENERGY STAR

“To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes. Homes achieve this level of performance through a combination of energy–efficient improvements and testing, including:

• Effective Insulation Systems
• High–Performance Windows
• Tight Construction and Ducts
• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
• ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting and Appliances
• Third-party verification and testing

To ensure that a home meets ENERGY STAR guidelines, third–party verification and testing by a certified Home Energy Rater (or equivalent) is required.This Rater conducts on-site testing (Blower Door Test for air infiltration and Duct Blaster Test to test the HVAC system for leakage) to ensure that the home is actually performing the way it is supposed to. This Rater works closely with the builder throughout the construction process to help determine the needed energy–saving equipment and construction techniques and conduct required on–site diagnostic testing and inspections to document that the home is eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR label. www.energystar.gov.

*homes started after April,2010