Advantages of Energy Star

Avonridge Homes are Energy Star Homes, certified by a Home Energy Rater (HER), an Energy Star certified independent agent. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.

Windows:
Avonridge Homes feature low E, argon filled windows and patio doors. Low-E glass works like sunblock to help protect your home and furniture from ultraviolet (UV) light. These windows have insulation values 50% better than standard double pane glass windows.

Insulation:
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. The combination of a tightly sealed, well insulated home makes an Avonridge home very inexpensive to heat and cool. Avonridge homes are estimated to be 45% better insulated than current International Residential Code standards.

Appliances:
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances.

HVAC:
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. Avonridge HVAC systems are multi -zone hydro-air systems including an Energy Star rated Weil-McLain Ultra 230 High Efficiency 93% AFUE natural gas fired boiler. The air conditioning units are 14.5 SEER units, uses ozone responsible R410A refrigerant which merits the US EPA’s most stringent environmental ratings. Humidifiers introduce humidity during the heating cycle to provide comfort and protect the home. Air cleaners remove particles down to three microns from the indoor air removing removing allergens and pollutants.

Lighting:
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) uses about 75 percent less energy than a comparable standard incandescent bulb.

Other Green Features:

Siding:
The siding on many of Avonridge’s homes is fiber cement siding which come prefinished from James Hardie, the manufacturer. The raw materials are low in toxicity – wood pulp, cement, sand and water (recycled up to 4 times). The siding and paint finish are extremely durable: Longer lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement but also reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Framing:
Floor joists are Boise Alljoists, a product in compliance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Boise joists are 50% stronger than dimension lumber with half the wood fiber. Subfloor material is Huber Advantech (another SFI product) and Huber Zip System (SFI) wall sheathing for air and moisture resistance to promote a well sealed building envelope.

Avonridge will continue to monitor new developments in energy conservation and is committed to incorporating them in all future Avonridge homes.