HVAC
Proper design, sizing and installation of HVAC equipment and tightly sealed air ducts are a top priority for cutting energy bills. Equipment size, efficiency level, energy source, ventilation and tightly sealed ductwork all contribute to reducing energy costs from 30-50%.
Equipment Size
Do not allow rules of thumb, such as so much heating or cooling per square foot of living area, to be used to determine equipment size. Properly sized equipment requires exact calculations, which consider insulation levels, window type and orientation, and the air sealing measures used. The process of calculating equipment size is important and, when properly designed and installed, will provide significant savings to home owners for years to come.
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Equipment Efficiency and Energy Source
Haven Properties installs only high efficient 14 SEER Air Conditioning Units that are designed specifically for each home. Also, it is important to consider the cost of energy sources when specifying HVAC equipment. And that's why Haven Properties installs only high efficiency gas furnaces that run quieter and cycle on and off less frequently, and direct vent, high efficiency hot water heaters.
Controlled Ventilation
Today's homes need controlled ventilation. Relying on cracks in the building envelope to provide proper ventilation endangers your family's health and safety. In a Haven built home, you'll appreciate the fact that bathroom exhaust fans and cook top fans are vented outdoors. The high efficiency furnaces and hot water heaters we use also utilize controlled ventilation.
Tight Ductwork
Tightly sealed ductwork is very important to ensure better indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Poor ductwork can waste hundreds of dollars each year and cause serious health and safety problems. To ensure your comfort and security, Haven homes' air ducts are all sealed with Mastic and have passed the Duct Blast Test.
Comprehensive Air Sealing
Excess air leakage in homes can increase heating and cooling bills by 30 percent and reduce fire safety. Although windows, doors and outside walls can contribute to air leakage, the biggest holes are usually hidden from view and connect the house to the attic or basement. Haven Properties takes extra steps installing upgraded insulation packages, both in the attic and the basement, including basement walls.
Proper Insulation
Haven Properties installs only Formaldehyde-free insulation and utilizes advanced building sciences to design and install upgraded insulation packages to ensure the home owners indoor comfort and to reduce energy costs.
Water conservation
A family of four can spend more for hot water than heating or cooling. Haven Properties installs only high efficient, direct vent gas hot water heaters providing maximum energy efficiency.
High Performance Windows
High performance windows can reduce heating and cooling needs enough to permit smaller and less expensive HVAC equipment and ductwork. The use of energy efficient windows greatly improves indoor comfort and reduces fading of fabrics and finishes. They also reduce condensation, which protects building materials and reduces mold growth.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting saves on electric bills, helps keep the home cooler by reducing wasted heat, and lasts longer. You should use compact or tubular fluorescents for interior fixtures that will be on for four hours or more each day- usually kitchens, hallways, and some living areas. Energy-efficient fluorescents provide excellent light quality and are long lasting. For exterior security lighting use compact fluorescent or high pressure sodium fixtures and consider motion sensors or photo cells to operate lights automatically.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Appliance energy use is usually greatest for refrigerators, clothes washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Remember, the true cost of an appliance is the purchase price plus the cost for energy and water for operation. Providing a less expensive, inefficient appliance will waste the money of low-income families for years to come. Federal law requires that most appliances have Energy Guide tags that compare estimated operating costs between energy efficient and standard models.
Currently Haven Properties has more than 100 homes under construction. Each Haven built home will be both Earth Craft and Energy Star certified and will feature the latest and most advanced construction techniques and features to provide our customers a healthier, comfortable, durable and substantially more energy-efficient home.
As you continue your new home search, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at the differences in new home construction and at the advantages of owning a Haven built home. When you do, you will find that a Haven built home is quite simply… a better house.
For more information about Haven Properties' High Performance EarthCraft and Energy Star homes, check out the links on the right.
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