2010 Energy Efficiency Residential Construction Between 1500-2500 Sq. Ft. Honorable Mention

About Us

Spurred on by high energy costs our independently verified EPA ® Energy Star® and NAHB Green-GOLD certified home enables our homeowners to “breathe easy”—pun intended.

The HERS Index for this home measured 53. Why is this important to you? The lower the Hers rating the greater the utility cost savings over the life of the home. This home is 47% more efficient than homes of comparable size. We do not just claim our homes our Green and Energy Efficient–we have them verified by a 3rd party energy rater! For additional details regarding HERS ratings please visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_HERS

With this home we concentrated on commonsense choices that would boost the home’s energy efficiency while keeping the total house package affordable. Starting with the building envelop the exterior walls were insulated to R-24. R-49 Batts were installed in the ceiling, ¾” R-3 rigid insulating board on the exterior walls and the basement walls were insulated to R-13 using Dow pre-finished white 2” insulating sheathing-Thermax- on the interior walls. The Thermax is an insulating material that keeps your basement cool in the summer and warmer in the winter as a result your heating system usually located in the basement will not have to work as hard to warm your home over the winter months (adding to the life of the unit) and you will not have to use your basement as a cold storage space. It also gives the appearance of a finished space.

Energy conservation was augmented through the installation of a PEX water delivery system which limits the amount of heat lost through the tubes. The system delivers water faster to the low-flow faucets and shower heads saving not only energy but allowing the Rinaii Tankless water heater to be utilized less often thereby prolonging its lifespan.

Know for it durabilty, water conservation, and energy efficiency Pex plumbing systems have the potential to lower utility costs by 30-40% according to the NAHB Research Center

Rinnai tankless water heaters offer endless streams of hot water- on demand!

Other high performance materials used in the home include compact fluorescent-light fixtures, Therma-Tru steel insulated doors, Energy Star appliances, and a master bath glass block window that offers privacy without sacrificing natural light. And of course solar orientation was taken into account when setting the home.

With this home, we are able to offer affordable, elegant upscale living within a limited space. Total energy costs for the twelve months ended 12/31/09 were under $1,200.00.