ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U S Department of Energy designed to help all of us protect the environment, reduce energy bills, and improve comfort through energy efficient products and practices. Qualifying homes must be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than those built to the 2004 International Residential Code, (IRC). They are also 20 to 30 percent more efficient than traditionally built homes.
Why or what is a HERS rating? HERS, which stands for Home Energy Rating System and is monitored and certified by an organization called RESNET. The HERS rating is an easy way to quantify savings. The HERS scale is rated from 0 to 100, with 0 being a home that uses 0 energy (Net zero Home) and 100 being a home that uses the ‘normal’ or ‘average’ amount of electricity – the lower the number the better.
The average Energy star certified home save the homeowner 15% on their utility costs, which translates to a HERS rating of 85. That is not good enough for CedarLand Homes! Our standard home are rated in the upper to mid 60's! Thats a 40% savings in utility costs versus a standard new construction home.
Why are CedarLand Homes Hybrid Energy Homes so efficient? When building a CedarLand Home, we explore forward-thinking, energy-efficient initiatives to ensure a better investment. There are four main ways that we make your new home construction a Hybrid Energy Home:
Increased Insulation Most new home construction uses the absolute minimum level of insulation required. In a CedarLand Homes Hybrid Energy Home, greatly increased insulation and strict construction inspections mean much less energy consumption than a standard new home. Homeowners who choose a Hybrid Energy Home for the utility savings are often equally impressed with the improved comfort they enjoy, whatever the season.
High-Performance Windows The majority of new homes don’t take advantage of advanced Low-E window technology, but the CedarLand Homes Hybrid Energy Home does. High-performance windows use Low-E technology to reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, blocking unwanted heat and reducing energy use. They also virtually eliminate transmission of the ultraviolet bands of sunlight that can cause carpets and furniture to fade.
Tight Construction and Tight Ducts It’s a fact that the average newly constructed home leaks as much air as leaving two doors wide open all year long. But the strict construction standards of a CedarLand Homes Hybrid Energy Home require careful inspection and testing by independent experts to ensure leaks have been sealed. Tight construction standards help eliminate drafts, dust, moisture, pests and pollen, dramatically improving comfort and indoor air quality. All while lowering the home’s overall energy usage and maintenance costs.
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment More efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy and reduce utility bills. These Energy Star-rated consumer heating and air systems, when properly sized and installed, reduce air pollution and save 15% to 50% on energy bills.