Efficient
Energy efficient homes are designed to encompass thermal envelope, which provides a strong barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment. Our homes stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, maintaining a comfortable temperature all year round. The largest source of energy consumption in buildings is from heating and air conditioning, accounting for two-thirds of total energy use. A good thermal envelope can reduce the cost of utilities as much as 50 percent when compared to conventional homes. The additional cost of building green is roughly 2%-10% in new construction. The expenditure payback through the savings in energy is about 5 years on average. Following this payback period the homeowner sees negative costs as the savings have exceed the initial investment.
Optimum-Value Engineering
Also known as Advanced Framing. By spacing studs at 24" centers opposed to 16" we are able to use less lumbar and more insulation.
Insulation
Paired with optimum value engineering, well insulated structures stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In remodeling your existing home with new insulation, you can save up to 45% of the energy that would otherwise be consumed. Our energy-efficient homes are built with much higher insulation R-values than required by local building codes and found in typical homes. R-value refers to the ability of a material to resist heat transfer; the lower the number, the faster heat loss is. Typical homes insulation might be rated at R-11 in the walls and R-19 in the ceiling; respectively we use R-21 in walls, R-21 with an extra layer of R-4 on sun bearing walls, and R-38 in the ceiling.
Windows
Windows are a building's weakest link. They are the source of the greatest heat loss, heat gain, and air leakage. The typical home loses more than 25% of its heat in the winter and gains up to 50% of its summer heat through windows. We take this into account when drawing blueprints and ensure large windows or sliding glass doors are facing the south, north, or shaded by a tree if facing east or west. Additionally we prefer using double-glazed, argon-filled, low-e2 windows with a U-factor of 0.38 and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.37.
High Efficiency Appliances
Appliances with high operating efficiency are typically more expensive to purchase than budget appliances. Over time, high efficiency appliances will pay for themselves time and time again. Furthermore these high efficiency appliances emit fewer pollutants, increasing the homes value and attractiveness when resold. We use the latest in technology when fitting our homes with water heaters, dishwashers, HVAC, and refrigerators.