For Coventry Homes, meeting the lauded ENERGY STAR standards is just the first step up the ladder, as all of its homes built in Houston go way beyond the program’s already stringent energy-efficiency measures. Moreover, the focus to provide resource efficiency and indoor air quality raises Coventry’s building program in Houston, which results in comfortable and healthy homes that are built to last!
Why Coventry
Eco Smart Homes for Sale in Houston
Energy Savings
Each home built by Coventry Homes is Environments for Living certified, which is an initiative that goes beyond the guarantees provided by the renowned ENERGY STAR program. On an average, homes built by Coventry are almost 50% more efficient as compared to those built earlier than 2000, and 15% more efficient than homes built through the ENERGY STAR standards. The energy-saving building standards employed by Coventry Homes are as follows:
- A programmable humidistat or thermostat that is ideal to keeping the ever-increasing humidity of Houston under your control.
- A barrier is created between indoor and outdoor air temperatures using an R-38 ceiling insulation, which in turn provides your home with great energy savings.
- Customized duct sizing and HVAC unit, based on the amount of windows as well as the size of the home.
- A 16 SEER A/C system that is quieter, as well as energy efficient, because it requires a considerably less amount of energy to run.
- Soffit and roof ridge ventilation keeps your attic well ventilated, which in turn protects it against moisture and makes it comfortable during both summers and winters.
Energy Usage/Comfort Guarantee
The energy efficiency program by The Environments for Living®, has been specifically designed to determine the amount of energy your home will require for heating and cooling, and provide comfort through a three-year limited guarantee for energy usage.
Home Energy Rating System
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.
Indoor Air Quality
You’ll breathe easier knowing that your home is outfitted with 5-inch pleated high performance MERV 11 air filters that incorporate many of the best in air filtration technologies for higher indoor air quality. However, to ensure optimum air quality even further, each home goes through a thermal bypass assessment, which also includes a third-party analysis of the areas where air barriers are frequently missed, as well as an insulation inspection to make sure they are properly aligned with the air barriers.
Resource Efficiency
Coventry uses engineered lumber for the construction of the house’s wall and floor structures whenever it is applicable, therefore adding value to the construction. That is because engineered lumber is not only defect-free, but also stronger, and can bear heavy loads for long spans of time. Additionally, since these products require less lumber to be produced, waste is kept to a minimum, meaning fewer trees to be cut down.
Verification
Homes built by Coventry are RESNET and EPA certified. Coventry also actively participates in the Quality Assurance program by RESNET, which through third-party reviews certifies homes. Moreover, each home is built following the strict standards of the Department of Energy Builder’s Challenge as well as Environments for Living® program, which ensures that you get a home that will last you for generations to come!
A Closer Look
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.
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
Each home in our Eco Smart Program has its own AC/Heating blueprint based on the number and size of windows, size of home, and other energy efficiency components such as insulation, ventilation, and equipment efficiency ratings. Based on all components working together as a system, we properly size the HVAC equipment using the acceptable industry standard Manual J according to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America 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 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, 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
By properly sizing and matching the evaporator coil to the condensing unit, our homes deliver an air conditioning system rated at 16 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating)
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 flat 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.
Construction/Exterior
We conduct several inspections throughout the construction process to ensure consistent quality standards and your peace of mind. An independent, third party inspector performs detailed inspections of the foundation (before and during the placement of concrete), structural frame, water intrusion (moisture prevention), air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. The inspector also performs the following inspections: insulation and attic ventilation, windstorm inspection, engineered floor joist system, final cosmetic appearance and the operation of mechanical systems and appliances. Every home site is surveyed for proper drainage. Additional municipal inspections are conducted where required. James Hardie masonry siding has a 30 year transferable warranty.Soffit and fascia have a 15 year-warranty and all three help prevent rotting and mildew from weather as well as lowers maintenance.
Wiring
State-of-the-art CAT5E and RG6 advanced wiring for communications and home entertainment on all phone lines.
Fully installed alarm system with optional monitoring for added peace of mind.
Plumbing
FlowGuard Gold® plumbing system maintains water quality, is more energy efficient and results in reduced maintenance and greater reliability.
Exterior Paint
Solvent-free powder technology reduces volatile organic compounds.
Mildew resistant paint ensures less exterior maintenance.
American-made brick provides better quality structure and low maintenance.
To keep a home's windows and doors looking and operating great for years, we use proper techniques to protect against air and moisture leaks in all critical detail areas.
Properly sized & installed state-of-the-art heating and cooling equipment is important for balanced heating and cooling throughout the home to ensure efficiency.
An engineered flooring system drastically reduces floor noise caused by joist shrinkage, and maintains a strong, solid secure floor.
Homes are engineered to meet the minimum wind speed requirements of the International Residential Code. This includes the use of special clips, straps and anchors as mandated by our engineer.
A pest control system provides easy access for a certified specialist to apply materials directly into the walls minimizing exposure (feature available in most communities).
Engineered, certified, and individually inspected foundations ensure a solid structural foundation for years to come.
On-site custom framing promises quality materials and higher standards of internal and external architecture. Engineered studs are used whenever possible.
This exclusive address plaque represents our commitment to you and is statement that your home is as exceptional as you are.
Ceiling and wall insulation meets Environments for Living ® certification standards.
Double pane, low e vinyl windows provide energy efficiency, lower utility costs and noise reduction.
