ENERGY SMART HOMES – Builder Recognition Program
What, Why, and How?
What? An energy efficiency program designed to recognize builders and homes that implement high efficiency “behind the walls” construction and equipment measures.
Why? Conway Corporation wants to help our customers cope with the rising cost of energy. Encouraging builders to take greater efficiency steps during construction of new homes can greatly reduce the homes utility bills and increase comfort.
How? Builders must adhere to stringent construction and equipment guidelines to be recognized as an Energy Smart Builder. Following these guidelines has been proven by the US Department of Energy to be 20-30% more efficient than standard built home. Guidelines are based on the DOE ENERGY STAR recommendations
What makes a builder an Energy Smart Builder?
Conway Corporation recognizes new residential builders for their commitment to construct homes that will save energy and lower utility costs. These homes are built under strict high efficiency guidelines to earn the Energy Smart recognition. Guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR program. Energy Smart Builders will receive a builder recognition certificate along with Energy Smart Home signage to display in the qualified homes
Energy Smart+ & ENERGY STAR®
The same Energy Smart construction and equipment guidelines apply. To earn the ENERGY STAR® distinction, these guidelines are verified and tested by a certified home rater.
Energy Smart Homes Features
Effective Insulation - Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.
High Performance (Low-E) windows – Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
Tightly Sealed Construction & Ductwork- Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance.
High-efficiency Heating & Cooling Equipment - In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home.
High-efficiency Lighting & Appliances – Energy Smart homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Low-flow Water Products – Products such as low-flow shower heads and toilets can reduce utility costs and conserve water.
Locate an Energy Smart Builder – The following is a list of committed Energy Smart Builders in Conway:
Energy Smart Home Construction & Equipment Criteria
- Heating & Cooling Equipment
- The right size unit according to the latest additions of ACCA Manual J and S Handbook of Fundamentals or equivalent procedure.
- Heat Pump of 14 SEER/8.2 HSPF minimum OR
- Gas Furnace of 80 AFUE and Air Conditioning Unit of 14 SEER minimum.
- Ductwork Construction
- All joint, seems, and connections must be securely fastened and sealed (standard duct tape not allowed).
- Insulation – R6 Value minimum insulation on ducts in unconditioned spaces.
- Building Envelope
- Air Leakage – All penetrations to the building envelope must be sealed, caulked, gasketed, weather-stripped, or otherwise sealed. This includes, but not limited to, areas around windows, doors, HVAC ductwork, plumbing pipe, electrical penetrations, etc.
- Insulation Levels –
- Ceiling – R30
- Walls – R13
- Floor (w/ crawlspace) – R19
- Slab – R4 (recommended but not required)
- Complete a Thermal Bypass Checklist – The checklist requires visual inspection of framing areas where air barriers are commonly missed and inspection of insulation to ensure proper alignment with air barriers, thus serving as an extra check that the air and thermal barriers are continuous and complete.
- Windows – Dept of Energy’s ENERGY STAR rated (Low-E) windows must be used.
- Water Heater
- Electric – Minimum EF rating of .93 (40 gallon), .92 (50 gallon), .89 (80 gallon)
- Gas – Minimum EF rating of .61 (40 gallon), .57 (60 gallon), .53 (80 gallon)
- Water Conservation
- Install ultra low-flow toilets that use 1.6 gallons of water per flush
- Install a high efficiency dish washer.
- Install low-flow shower heads or low-flow faucets or faucet aerators.
- Thermostat – Install ENERGY STAR rated programmable thermostat (w/ smart recovery for heat pump system).
- Lighting & Appliances – Install 5 or more ENERGY STAR rated appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and/or ventilation fans.
Tax Credit for Builders:
Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50% energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. This credit also applies to contractors of manufactured homes conforming to Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.