Home comfort levels, quality of life and high energy bills are all issues that are driving increasing numbers of Americans to make their homes more energy efficient. One of the most significant advantages of new construction, that is new homes, is their increased energy efficiency. While many builders market and promote their homes as energy efficient, one local builder is now backing these claims by testing each and every home they build to ensure they meet specific energy efficiency guidelines… that builder is Westport Homes.
The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Service Network (www.RESNET.us) in which a home built to the specifications of a reference home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a home using no net energy scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower the home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient and the lower the energy cost to operate. Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient. The EPA requires a house qualifying for Energy Star to be built with best practices, tight ducts, and at least 15% more energy efficient than code as shown by a HERS Index score of 85 or less as determined by a HERS Rater.”
Each brand new Westport Home will be tested and will rate somewhere between a 65 and 72 on the HERS Index (thus new Westport Homes will be 28-35% more energy efficient)… WELL BELOW existing homes, and new homes built by other local builders!
Benefits of an Energy Rating
- Helps you calculate the true cost of homeownership (it’s not just all about mortgage payments!)
- Could put you on the path to increasing your home’s resale value
- Improve the overall comfort of your home
- Show you how to reduce your energy bills
How Does Westport Homes Accomplish This?
1. Tight, Well-Sealed Construction
Advanced techniques for sealing cracks, gaps, holes, and plumbing chases helps prevent energy waste, while improving comfort.
2. High Performance Insulation
With Higher R-Values, properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls and attics help keep heat inside in the winter, outside in the summer.
3. ENERGY STAR Qualified Heating
is at least 15% more efficient than standard models when sized and installed properly
4. Mechanical Ventilation
Proper ventilation contributes to regular air exchange that can help reduce moisture problems and remove pollutants
5. Well-Designed, Sealed and Insulated Ducts
Preventing crimps, gaps and disconnects in the air distribution system, help keep heated and/or cold air when you want it, room to room. Duct testing ensures that conditioned air doesn’t escape to the outside.
6. ENERGY STAR Qualified Lighting
Available in a variety of styles and sizes, energy efficient lighting uses 75% less energy and lasts 10 times longer than incandescent lighting. Homes feature at least 80% ENERGY STAR qualified lighting
7. ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances
Refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers that earn the ENERGY STAR label use up to 50% less energy than standard models, without sacrificing style, convenience or features.
8. Third Party Verification – Home Energy Rating System
Independent Home Energy Raters conduct on-site construction inspections and final testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features.
9. Thermal Enclosure System
ENERGY STAR Homes meet a higher standard for properly installed insulation, and tight well-sealed construction which is verified by third-party inspection
10. HVAC System Checklist
Comprehensive, quality installation to verify right sizing, proper air distribution and ventilation. A rigorous, third-party inspection helps confirm optimal system operation.
11.Water Management System
Advanced moisture barriers and construction techniques drain water from the roof, walls and foundation. Preventing water damage is critical for maintaining long home energy performance.
12. ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows
Low -E coating and advanced features improve window performance for year round comfort, reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
13. ENERGY STAR Qualified Air Conditioning
is at least 11% more efficient than standard models when sized and installed properly
