This means lowering the amount of energy required to run the home. This is addressed in several ways.

1. Striving to build a more air tight and efficient home envelope by focusing on:
   • Effective levels and types of insulation, properly installed.
   • Comprehensive air barrier detailing in the design and construction of the building’s envelope – the foundation, the floor, the exterior walls and the roof.
   • Using high performance windows.
   • Testing the “tightness” of the building envelope by performing a “BLOWER DOOR TEST” that measures the rate at which the home exchanges it’s air.
2. Better design and installation of the HVAC system(s)
   • Designing the HVAC system in accordance with Manual “D” and Manual “J” requirements and performance standards.
   • Mastic sealing the ductwork connections (as opposed to duct taping) to minimize duct leakage. Testing the HVAC system for leakage by performing a “DUCT BLASTER TEST”.*
   • Placing the HVAC equipment and ductwork inside the conditioned home envelope as much as possible and effectively insulating the ductwork.
   • Using efficient equipment for heating and cooling the home.
3. Using efficient lighting
   • Using CFL lighting, LED lighting and ENERGY STAR rated fixtures.
4. Using efficient appliances
   • Including ENERGY STAR qualified Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers.

These energy saving features will save you about $300 to $500 per year on utility bills, depending on the size of your home and how you use it. Savings can be much greater with thoughtful energy use. Monthly energy savings can easily exceed any additional mortgage costs for building with the energy efficient products and energy efficient construction details, resulting in a positive cash flow from the first day you move into your new home.