Building Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Features Into EVERY HOME
Environments for Living® Certified
Recognized for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity, each Eco-Smart Home
is Environments for Living® certified with a written 3-year comfort and projected
heating and cooling costs guarantee. These homes are up to 50% more efficient than
homes built prior to year 2000 and 15% more efficient than the minimum standards
required by the Energy Star® program.
Every Home Individually Tested
Air leakage accounts for 1/3 of a home’s heating or cooling loss. Unlike other builders,
the air ducts and building envelope of every home is individually inspected and
tested for air leakage by an independent inspection firm to assure your home meets
stringent energy efficiency and quality standards.
Home Energy Rating System (HERS)
Using a nationally accepted “Home Energy Rating System” we conduct an analysis of
our homes construction and energy efficiency to determine the amount of energy needed
for heating and cooling your home. The lower the score the less energy is required
to heat and cool your home. Our Eco-Smart energy efficiency program delivers one
of the lowest energy usage scores available; even lower than Energy Star®.
HVAC Unit and Duct Sizing
We look for every opportunity to incorporate energy efficiency because we know it
will result in a quality, healthy home. That's why each home in our Eco Smart Program
has its own AC/Heating blueprint based on the number of windows and other details
in the home. Based on all components working together as a system, we properly size the HVAC system using the industry standard, Manual
J, and size all ducts according to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual
D and EPA standards.
Programmable Thermostat Combination Humidistat
Because of excessive humidity in the Houston Metropolitan area, we control both the temperature and humidity levels in each home through the use of a temperature and humidity thermostat providing greater energy savings and comfort. Being programmable, you can control the temperature and humidity levels according to your schedule at home to dramatically lower your energy costs.
ENERGY STAR® Rated Appliances
Energy efficiency doesn’t stop with heating and cooling. To help maximize the energy
savings for your home, Energy Star® rated dishwashers, light fixtures (in selected
areas), and ceiling fans are included to provide some of the highest levels of energy
efficiency available today.
Roof Ridge and Soffit Ventilation
A well-ventilated attic keeps your home more comfortable in summer and guards against
moist, heated air building up in winter. To optimize circulation and heat displacement,
our homes are designed with a soffit and ridge ventilation system with baffles above
soffit vents to prevent a decrease in available air flow.
16 SEER A/C System
The A/C system has a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio so it’s more efficient
and requires less energy to run. You benefit from lower energy costs, less noise
and more effective climate control.
R-38 Ceiling Insulation
The barrier between the outdoor and indoor air temperature provides some of the
greatest energy savings in a home. That’s why we install R-38 ceiling insulation
in attic spaces exceeding the minimum standards of the Energy Star® program.
Air Infiltration
To ensure a healthier indoor environment, we seal all plumbing, electrical and other
penetrations of walls and floors as well as joints between building material with
polyurethane caulk to reduce air infiltration.