The Whole-House Approach

Theory and practices are changing. In the past, when building a home, insulation was one component of a number of things to consider. For the most part, one could view these components of a home as separate pieces of a whole, the heating and cooling system, windows, insulation, the ventilation system, etc. Each piece is needed in order for the home to run properly, and is considered as the building progresses to that particular stage.

Recently, there has been a shift in the way we view certain stages of home building. Constant evolution brings constant change, and while consumers are evolving towards energy conservation due to rising utility costs and concern for the environment, it is important for us to offer a solution to both challenges.

Goley Insulation has partnered with Energy Star for the Act on Energy program with the goal of helping builders offer home buyers Energy Star New Homes. These homes are built with energy savings in mind from planning to completion. Energy Star New Home Builders view the home as a system in which the windows, insulation, ventilation, and HVAC system work together to create a whole house system that uses energy more efficiently.

By considering the building envelope and focusing on air sealing and properly insulating that envelope to reduce air infiltration, builders can then focus on installing energy efficient windows, a properly sized HVAC system, a fitting ventilation system, and other Energy Star appliances or features. Working together as a system, all these things will create an energy efficient home that uses less energy, costs less to heat and cool, promotes superior indoor air quality, provides better resale value, and gives buyers the piece of mind of an EPA backed home.

For more information on the Energy Star New Home, or for a list of builders who build Energy Star New Homes, please visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.hm_index

Why should I build an Energy Star Qualified new home?

You make so many decisions when it comes to building your home, but have you made the decision to build an Energy Star qualified new home? Energy Star qualified new homes come with long-term benefits and a big impact for the homeowner, yet, the Energy Star conversation is one that is not always had with the builder or contractor.

Reasons to make sure your new home is Energy Star qualified:
1) Added Confidence: your home will meet strict energy efficiency guidelines
2) Lower Ownership Cost: "Compared with standard homes, Energy Star qualified homes use substatnially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating - delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings." (taken from Energy Star website).
3) Better Performance: better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, & noise
4) Smart Investment: increased resale position
5) Environmental Protection: less energy use = less pollution and waste for our environment

In order for your home to earn the Energy Star, (a government backed symbol), it must meet guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Doing this typically makes homes 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

To become Energy Star qualified, your home can include a variety of these energy efficient features:
1) Effective Insulation: properly installed in the floors, walls, and attics
2) High-Performance Windows: keep heat in during winter & out during summer
3) Tight Construction Ducts: sealing the holes and crack's in the home's "envelope" & in heating & cooling ducts
4) Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment: less energy to operate, quieter, and reduce indoor humidity
5) Efficient Products: use Energy Star qualified products such as lighting fixtures, appliances, and flourescent bulbs
6) Third-Party Verification: Use a HERS rater to conduct onsite testing & inspection to verify the energy efficiency measures.

Goley Insulation can help you & your builder with many aspects of these energy features you need to meet Energy Star guidelines. Effective insulation, air sealing the building envelope, and third-party verification are services we offer to help you Earn the Energy Star qualification and become more comfortable in your home while saving money.

Ask your builder for an Energy Star Qualified home, a decision with returns that will be evident in savings and the environment.

Energy%20Star%20new%20home%20brochure.pdf