Energy Efficient Features...

  • Blown in insulation on 85% or more of above grade wall, floor & ceiling area; all insulation meets indoor air quality standards
  • Low-E Windows
  • All exterior doors are insulated
  • Garage door insulated
  • Covered porch
  • Ceiling fans
  • Furnace is centrally located
  • Central air conditioner with 13 seer (*not available on any of the Conestoga homes, unless as an upgrade)
  • Programmable thermostat
  • All duct work joints sealed
  • Sealed off all ducts during construction
  • Tankless water heater
  • Electronic ignition direct vent fireplace
  • 12 month supply of MERV 8 furnace filters
  • Energy Star low sone exhaust fans in bathrooms; when fan detects humidity, fan goes on
  • Kitchen range hood vented to exterior
  • House wrap under stucco and/or siding
  • Downspout extensions 5 feet away from foundation
  • Aluminum foundation forms used
  • Engineered floor joists and beams
  • 30 pound felt under shingles
  • Sprinkler and drip system if landscaping is included

Built Green Information ...

Introduced in 1995, Built Green Colorado is one of the oldest and largest home building programs in the nation. A voluntary industry-driven program of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver offered to builders across the state, the purpose of Built Green Colorado is to encourage home builders to use technologies, products and practices that result in homes that are better built and better for the environment.

Built Green homes are not only good for the environment, they provide many home buyer benefits and result in reduced warranty costs for the builder.

There are many benefits to building or buying a Built Green home. Some of the most compelling are:

  • Better energy efficiency means comfort and savings for the homeowner and less pollution for the earth.
  • Healthier indoor air means comfort, health and peace of mind for the family.
  • Reduced water usage means savings for the homeowner, less strain on our limited water supplies.
  • Preserving natural resources means leaving more for future generations to enjoy.
  • Durable materials means reduced maintenance, savings and more leisure time for the home owner.

Source: Built Green Colorado

Homeowner Benefits of Energy Star...

Added Confidence: Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government backed ENERGY STAR to easily identify homes that are truly energy-efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets rigorous energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA and verified by an independent Home Energy Rater.

Smarter Investment: To date, more than 3,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct over 750,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million homes are expected to earn the ENERGY STAR. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

Environmental Protection: Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. Because ENERGY STAR qualified homes use less energy, they help prevent greenhouse gas emissions-an added benefit for today's environmentally-conscious consumers looking for "green" choices.

Lower Ownership Cost : Compared with standard construction, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Although these energy savings may seem small relative to the cost of monthly mortgage payments, no one likes to waste money. And over the 7 or 8 years that a typical buyer lives in a home, it can add up to thousands of dollars saved. Additional savings on maintenance can also be significant.

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR are significantly more energy efficient than standard homes. ENERGY STAR builders achieve this high efficiency for you by selecting from a variety of features:

Tight Construction and Ducts : Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home's envelope and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while lowering utility and maintenance costs.

Effective Insulation : Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and quieter, more comfortable home.

Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment: An energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills. This system can also be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of your home.

High Performance Windows : Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. THese windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.

Efficient Products : Your home may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products-lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances-that offer additional energy savings.

Independent Testing: While it's easy to claim that homes are energy efficient, ENERGY STAR builder partners back that up with verification by an independent Home Energy Rater. The Rater conducts onsite inspections and testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features in your home.

Source: Energy Star

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