To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.
Monday, April 30, 2012
What Makes a Home Energy Star Certified?
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Green Building Practices Save Homeowners Serious Money
The current economy has definitely heightened people’s “green” awareness. Green – as in ecology AND economy!
The hard truth: It costs a lot to build – and maintain – a home. From material costs to heating & cooling, owning a home can be an expensive proposition. Luckily, Atlantic Builders has embraced the elements of green building, and has been able to incorporate them into our homes. From careful site designs to right-sized floor plans, green materials to energy-efficient systems, air quality to water conservation, there are dozens of ways for homeowners to build a “green” home.
Come see us and we’ll get you started the green home of your dreams!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
What is the HERS index?
HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System. It identifies the rated home’s energy performance compared to a home built only to code requirements. A standard, code-built home has an index of 100. Each point below 100 represents a 1% improvement in overall energy performance. For example, a home with a HERS index of 70 is 30% more efficient than a standard, code-built home. Note that a home can be Energy Star-certified with a HERS index of 85. Atlantic Builders’ homes perform much better – with average scores of 62 – 65. And a better HERS index means more savings for our homeowners!
HERS scores:
Atlantic Builders – 62-65 avg. HERS score
Energy Star home – 85 avg. HERS score
Standard new home built to code – 100 avg. HERS score
Existing home – 130 avg. HERS scoreEstimated average utility bill:
Atlantic Builders - $138/month
Energy Star home - $180/per month
Standard new home - $223/month
Existing home - $431+ /month
Monday, April 2, 2012
Atlantic Builders Sponsors Student Scholarships
Elliott Fairhurst and Tracy White are 2 of the 3 Atlantic Builders sponsored Germanna scholars in 2011/2012.
Elliott was homeschooled and at 18 years old is working toward a 2 year associates degree in engineering. He plans to complete his B.S. in engineering at VA Tech. He is interested in aeronautics, particularly drone aircraft.
Tracy is pursuing her nursing degree. She is a single parent with 3 children. While her mother helps her watch the kids, it is a great financial strain to attend Germanna given her family’s needs. Atlantic Builders is proud to help Tracy make her dream of becoming a nurse a reality.
If you wish to make a pledge to financially support Germanna Community College, please contact Mike Catell at mcatell@germanna.edu